Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cleveland, Ohio. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
YellowLite is a highly-rated, employee-owned solar installer headquartered in Cleveland. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance. Their strong local presence and deep understanding of Ohio's incentives are significant advantages.
As one of Ohio's oldest and most established solar companies, Third Sun Solar brings extensive experience to the Cleveland market. They are a certified B Corporation, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. They offer robust design services and specialize in both grid-tied and battery-backed systems.
While headquartered in Maryland, Solar Energy World has a strong operational presence in Ohio and serves the Cleveland area. They are a large, well-funded installer with partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like Tesla and SunPower, offering high-efficiency equipment and strong warranty options.
The home solar market in Cleveland is mature and competitive, featuring a mix of strong local/regional installers and larger national companies. The overall quality of providers is high, with several companies boasting over a decade of experience. Cleveland's solar market is driven by several factors: falling equipment costs, favorable net metering policies from local utilities, and the federal investment tax credit (ITC). However, the city's climate, with its four distinct seasons and considerable cloud cover, means system design and accurate production estimates are critical. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000+** before incentives, depending on system size and complexity. The competition ensures that homeowners have multiple quality options, but it underscores the importance of choosing a reputable, local-experienced installer who can navigate specific weather challenges and maximize available financial returns.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cleveland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cleveland, Ohio.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Cleveland, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Ohio does not have a state-wide solar tax credit, but Cleveland homeowners benefit from net metering programs from local utilities like Cleveland Public Power and The Illuminating Company, which credit you for excess energy sent to the grid, and the state's property tax exemption ensures your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation.
Yes, modern solar panels are highly efficient at converting both direct and diffuse sunlight, meaning they still generate significant power on cloudy days common in Northeast Ohio. While snow can temporarily cover panels, their dark, slick surfaces often shed snow quickly, and the angled installation helps. Importantly, Cleveland's summer months provide long, sunny days that produce the majority of your annual energy, making solar a strong investment here.
Installation requires a building and electrical permit from the City of Cleveland's Division of Building and Housing. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Key local considerations include complying with the Cleveland Electrical Code and any specific aesthetic or structural guidelines if you live in a historic district. Finally, your system must be inspected and approved by the city and your utility (CPP or CEI) before you can connect to the grid for net metering.
Select a provider with extensive local experience, as they will understand Cleveland's specific weather, permitting, and utility interconnection processes. Verify they are a licensed Ohio electrical contractor, check for certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and read Ohio-specific reviews. Always get multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment brands, warranty terms, production estimates for our climate, and a clear timeline.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and signing, securing permits from the City of Cleveland can take 2-4 weeks. The physical installation itself usually takes 1-3 days, depending on system size and weather. The longest phase is often the utility interconnection approval and installation of a net meter from Cleveland Public Power or The Illuminating Company, which can take 2-6 weeks after city inspections are passed.