Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Amherst, Ohio. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Solgen Power is a highly-rated, national company with a strong local presence in Ohio. They are known for a comprehensive, customer-focused approach that includes in-house consultation, design, installation, and maintenance. They offer a strong warranty and work with premium equipment, positioning themselves as a full-service provider for both grid-tied and battery backup systems.
YellowLite is a regional leader in solar energy based in Cleveland, Ohio. They distinguish themselves with a strong emphasis on education and energy efficiency assessments to ensure system sizing is optimal for the homeowner. They are well-versed in Ohio-specific incentives and offer a variety of purchase and loan options.
As one of Ohio's oldest and most established solar companies, Third Sun Solar brings extensive experience and a reputation for high-quality, durable installations. Based in Athens, they serve the entire state and are particularly known for handling complex projects, including off-grid systems and commercial installations, alongside standard residential work.
** The home solar market in Amherst, Ohio, is characterized by moderate competition from a mix of strong regional installers and some national companies. There are very few, if any, installers based *solely* within Amherst's city limits, so residents are typically served by established companies from the broader Lorain and Cuyahoga County areas. The overall quality of providers is high, with several companies holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Typical pricing for a residential system in Amherst is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $20,000 - $28,000. Providers are generally well-informed about local utility net metering policies (from Ohio Edison) and state-specific incentives, which are crucial for a strong return on investment. Financing options are plentiful, with most top providers offering solar loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to cater to different homeowner financial preferences.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Amherst regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Amherst, Ohio.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Amherst, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Ohio homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and Amherst residents serviced by Lorain County Utilities or Ohio Edison can take advantage of net metering programs. While Ohio no longer offers a state-wide solar incentive, specific local utilities may have rebates, so checking directly is recommended.
Amherst's four distinct seasons impact production, with long summer days yielding the highest output and shorter, cloudier winter days producing less. Snow cover can temporarily reduce generation, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces often melt light snow quickly. Importantly, solar panels operate on light, not heat, and can perform very well in Amherst's cold, sunny winter weather.
Installing solar in Amherst requires a building permit from the Amherst Building Department, and your installer will typically handle this process. The City of Amherst follows the 2017 Residential Code of Ohio (based on the IRC), which includes specific structural and electrical requirements for solar. Additionally, if your home is in a historic district or has a homeowners association (HOA), you may need architectural review, though Ohio law (ORC 5312.17) restricts HOAs from outright prohibiting solar installations.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Amherst and Lorain County, as they will be familiar with local inspectors, utility interconnection processes, and regional weather patterns. Verify they are properly licensed (Ohio Home Improvement Registration for contractors), insured, and offer strong workmanship warranties. Always check reviews on independent sites and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities like Lorain or Elyria.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup system. For Amherst's occasional severe thunderstorms and high winds, panels are rated to withstand hail and are installed with robust racking systems designed to meet Ohio's building codes for wind loads. Your installer should ensure your roof is in good condition and that the mounting system is engineered for local conditions.