Jordan EllisAs an adult whose main source of headache is the never-ending bills, I’m always finding ways to save. When I first started researching solar panels in Columbus, I did not anticipate the amount of work required before installation.
Like many first-timers, I felt overwhelmed by the options and the permitting and approvals required.
But after talking to many homeowners around the neighbourhood, I learned that the ideal provider won’t leave you dealing with all these shenanigans alone. In fact, they will take everything off your plate, and you will just have to wait until everything’s done.
After gathering some information, I felt reassured that these companies would ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish.
How much do solar panel installations cost in Columbus?
Solar panel installations in Columbus can cost between $21,000 and $42,000 for a typical residential system. However, the final cost depends on the system size, material quality, and the price per watt.
1. Blue Raven Solar
Address: 2029 Riverside Dr #102, Upper Arlington
Phone: +18003774480
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8 AM–11 PM
- Saturday, 9 AM–9 PM
What we like most about Blue Raven Solar is its impressively hands-off customer experience. Once you approve the plan, they will take care of all the necessary details, including the permits and HOA approvals.
The company also boasts that its team is all in-house. Meaning they don’t outsource labor and handle everything from the initial survey through installation.
For their products, they exclusively use Tier-1 monocrystalline black solar panels together with Enphase microinverters. This combo is designed for more efficient power production and maximum performance against Ohio’s climate.
Not to mention, many homeowners love the aesthetic of black-on-black panels, giving their roofs a sleeker look.
To make solar more accessible, financing options such as BluePower+ and SmartStart are available. These programs offer low or no upfront costs and set monthly payments that may be lower than your utility bill.
One common concern from the homeowners is that communication can be difficult after the initial contact. But the good thing is that once installation starts, they work surprisingly quickly—usually completing the job in a single day.
Grateful for a beautiful install
“My Midwest installers were the cream of the crop crew! Killed it! 12 hours of commitment and time they spent at my house. They went all day! Crushed it. Helpful, kind, considerate, efficient and friendly. Grateful for a beautiful install! My sales associate, Josiah, started it all. Leading with education, honesty and patience. I grew up with solar panels and knew I wanted my own someday. So happy I made the choice with Blue Raven!”
– Kristin M, Google Review
No shoddy-looking work, and it was installed seamlessly into the house
“Blue Raven designed a system that was within our budget. They use top-quality products. The install was done in a timely fashion. They showed up on time and finished the same day. The install was top-notch. No shoddy-looking work, and it was installed seamlessly into the house. There are other companies that could have done it cheaper but with inferior products. Always do your homework, you do get what you pay for at Blue Raven.”
– David “Customlows” DeVore, Google Review
2. Ohio Power Solutions
Phone: +17409081040
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7 AM–7 PM
- Saturday, 8 AM–12 PM
Ohio Power Solutions is a family-owned solar energy company that’s been around for over 15 years. It’s trusted by many Ohioans for its quality service and competitive costs.
We found OPS to be one of the most versatile installers in Central Ohio, offering more than just standard rooftop solar. In addition to residential panels, they can do custom systems for commercial and agricultural properties.
For example, they can install solar thermal systems, battery backups, or wind turbines alongside solar power if you are focused on maximizing your energy-saving system.
Every system design is tailored to your goal and budget. Plus, their local team stays involved throughout, so you don’t have to worry about juggling between different contractors.
Homeowners we spoke to appreciate that the workers are meticulous and don’t rush the job. The installation is typically completed within 2 to 3 days, which we think is still a pretty short timeframe.
While they don’t offer their own financing plans, they can help clients explore solar loan options through partners such as Clean Energy Credit Union. This provides Ohio residents with a 3% interest rate reduction on sustainable home improvements.
I was super impressed
“I was super impressed with Ohio Power Solutions’ professionalism and attention to detail in my 18 panel Solar installation. They answered my questions and took into account my concerns on aesthetics and the effects on production, especially since most of my panels would be on the front side of my roof. I think the solution we came up with looks great.”
– Joseph Angerer, Google Review
Professional, friendly, and efficient
“I just had solar panels installed by Ohio Power Solutions. They were very informative during their assessment of my property and explained their system proposal thoroughly. The installation crew was professional, friendly, and efficient. I was informed of the next steps needed to be completed by AEP. I recommend this company.”
– Ellen Hoover, Google Review
3. Freedom Forever
Address: 6307 Busch Blvd
Phone: +18885576431
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 AM–4 PM
Freedom Forever is one of the largest solar providers in the U.S, primarily serving residential clients.
What sets them apart is that they don’t just slap panels on rooftops; instead, they design every system based on your home’s sun exposure, shading, and household energy to help further save electricity costs.
To support this, they use their own Freedom Forever solar panels, which are constructed with climate-friendly materials. That means it will work even in low temperatures and harsh weather.
We also like that their process is highly digitalized and efficient. Once the contract is finalized, clients are given access to a portal where they can track the progress of your project. Plus, the installation itself usually wraps up in just two days.
When it comes to financing, the company does require credit approval before your project can move into design and permitting, unless you are paying in cash.
Homeowners value that they keep their products and services affordable for a wide range of credit profiles. On some occasions, they even accept FICO scores as low as 600.
Their dedication and perseverance were outstanding
“Big thanks to Jason’s Green Day Crew for the fantastic job installing our 35-panel system last week! They battled serious elements to get the job done —bone-chilling cold on day one, and a rain washout on day two— yet they finished the entire install right before the heavy weekend snow. Their dedication and perseverance were outstanding. Beyond the tough weather, the team was very competent and communicative. They consistently provided clear explanations and went above expectations with helpful accommodations. Great work, team! We can’t wait to see the system producing power post-PTO.”
– Rob & Courtney Portik, Google Review
The job was finished in a very timely manner
“We had Kyle and his team out today with Megan on site. The team did an excellent job getting Solar Panels installed. Kyle did a great job going beyond and explaining what is going on. The team was respectful of my property and the job was finished in a very timely manner. Thank you for your professionalism and I look forward to the Solar experience!”
– Joe Summer, Google Review
4. IGS Energy
Address: 6100 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin
Phone: +18779954447
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8 AM–8 PM
- Saturday, 9 AM–3 PM
IGS has operated since 1989 and now serves more than one million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across many U.S. states. While primarily known as a gas supplier, they also offer solar energy options through their IGS Solar brand.
The company provides residential rooftop solar panel systems that help customers reduce electricity costs. They offer a full purchase, lease, or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to make their products more accessible.
The best part of their services is that, in some areas, they also offer community programs. Homeowners can benefit from solar power without installing panels on their own roofs.
Each project has a dedicated coordinator to streamline communication. Additionally, the IGS team will handle everything, from custom design to permitting and installation, so much of the burden is taken off the client’s shoulders.
The only thing we found iffy is their soliciting tactics. A few non-customers reported that representatives showed up at their doors unannounced to make sales pitches, and we agree that this can be uncomfortable.
Well worth the wait
“We are delighted to now have our solar energy up and running. It did take some time for the paperwork to be in place and panels installed, but well worth the wait. I would recommend IGS Energy to my friends and family.”
– Elaine Scherer, Google Review
Went above and beyond for us
“IGS made this whole process so easy for us! My mom, who is 80 and very fearful of new things, was put at ease and confident that this was a great thing for us to go Solar. Patty and Evan explained and helped us through the process and made it so easy! They both answered every question we had. They both went above and beyond for us and we are very thankful for both of them! Very professional and courteous company!”
– Joyce Ann, Google Review
5. EcoHouse Solar
Address: 4350 Equity Dr.
Phone: +16144567641
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
With over 17 years of experience, EcoHouse Solar is popular among many homeowners for its hands-on service and custom-made designs.
They don’t just work on regular and modern roofs, but they are also experts at complex installations. This is especially useful in historic neighborhoods that mostly have older structures and architectural details.
In such situations, EcoHouse’s experience with tailored layouts and careful placement is valuable, ensuring a cohesive overall look without compromising the existing features.
Regarding the products they use, the company uses top-tier hardware, including Jinko Solar panels and Enphase microinverters. They pair it with solar panels from brands such as LG and SolarEdge, depending on what best suits your budget and needs.
The company also offers flexible financing plans for those who can’t afford solar panels out of pocket.
We were just disappointed that their warranty seems limited and somewhat unreliable. A few homeowners we spoke to told us that they will only cover damages if you can prove that the issue was caused by their workmanship, which can be difficult to do.
I would definitely recommend this team
“We had Ecohouse Solar install a 14kw system a few months ago. They were very knowledgeable throughout every step of the process and answered all of my questions in detail. I wanted a clean look to the system, and their install team made every effort to make the final appearance of the system as discreet as possible, with no external conduit visible. I would definitely recommend this team to anyone considering solar for their home.”
– George Gornall, Google Review
If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing
“When considering going solar, I had friends recommend a few companies they had gone with/researched and Ecohouse popped up more than once. We received quotes from two different companies and are very happy with our decision to go with Ecohouse Solar. They were very honest and upfront about all costs and installation procedures. They also took responsibility to ensure that it would be safe to do a roof layover instead of replacing our current roof (simply due to age), which saved us a ton of expense. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Fortunately for us, we believe we are in our forever home, so we look forward to enjoying our 20 kW system for years to come.”
– Jessica Whitehead, Google Review
