Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Howard, Ohio. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar installer based in Mount Vernon, making them the closest and most dedicated provider to Howard. They emphasize personalized service, custom system design, and deep local knowledge of Knox County's permitting and utility requirements.
A leading regional solar provider headquartered in Cleveland with a strong presence throughout Ohio. They are known for their robust financing options, in-house installation teams, and comprehensive service from consultation to maintenance. They actively serve the central Ohio region, including Howard.
One of Ohio's oldest and most established solar companies, based in Athens. They have a strong statewide reputation and have completed numerous projects across central Ohio. They specialize in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems and are a certified Powerwall installer.
** The home solar market in Howard, Ohio, and the surrounding Knox County area is characterized by a few key players rather than intense local competition. Due to the rural nature of the region, the market is served by a mix of a single, highly-local installer (Ecohouse Solar) and several established statewide companies (YellowLite, Third Sun Solar) that have the resources to cover a wide geographic area. **Average Quality:** The quality of providers serving Howard is generally high. These companies are well-versed in the specific needs of rural and suburban Ohio homes, including dealing with AEP Ohio's net metering policies and navigating local building codes. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of companies vying for business directly in Howard, the top regional providers are highly competitive on service, technology, and financing. This benefits the consumer by ensuring professional service while still providing options. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with the national average, typically ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, the gross cost would be between $22,400 and $28,000. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. All top providers are experts in helping homeowners understand and leverage this and any other applicable state or local incentives. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available to make systems cash-flow positive from day one.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howard regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Howard, Ohio.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Howard, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Ohio offers strong financial benefits, including the 30% federal tax credit and a sales tax exemption on solar equipment. While there is no statewide solar rebate, you should also check with AEP Ohio, the local utility, for any current interconnection incentives or net metering programs that can improve your long-term savings.
Howard experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers ideal for peak production and cloudy winters reducing output. However, solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and can still generate significant power on bright winter days. The key is annual production; systems are sized to account for seasonal variation, ensuring you generate enough credits through net metering with AEP Ohio in the sunny months to offset your usage during less productive periods.
Installing solar in Howard requires compliance with both local and utility regulations. You will need to obtain a building permit from the Knox County Building Department, as Howard is within Knox County. The most critical step is adhering to AEP Ohio's specific interconnection agreement process for net metering, which includes a technical review of your system design to ensure it safely connects to the local grid.
Look for installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong experience with AEP Ohio's interconnection process. Seek out local Ohio companies with verifiable references in Knox County and check their certifications (like NABCEP). A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment specific to your property's sun exposure and roof condition, and they should transparently explain all costs, financing, and the expected timeline from permit to activation.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. For durability, panels installed in Howard are rated to withstand Ohio's weather, including heavy snow loads, hail, and high winds. Reputable installers will ensure your mounting system is engineered for local conditions, and the panels themselves typically come with 25+ year performance warranties guaranteeing their longevity.