Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Plain City, Ohio. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Ecohouse Solar is a highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based in Columbus. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They emphasize customer education and offer high-quality equipment. Their strong focus on central Ohio, including suburban and rural areas like Plain City, makes them a top choice.
YellowLite is a regional solar installer with a strong presence in Ohio, including a Columbus/Central Ohio branch. They are a well-established company known for their professional approach, strong manufacturer partnerships (e.g., Panasonic, Enphase), and expertise in both residential and commercial projects. They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments.
While originally based on the East Coast, Solar Energy World has expanded its operations to serve the Ohio market effectively. They are a larger, established company that brings significant experience and buying power, which can be beneficial for pricing and equipment selection. They offer robust financing options and are well-versed in both local and federal solar incentives.
The home solar market in Plain City, Ohio, is representative of the broader central Ohio region: growing steadily but with room for expansion. The market is characterized by a moderate level of competition, primarily from regional and national installers based in Columbus who actively serve the suburbs and surrounding rural communities. The average quality of installers is high, as companies must be certified by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) and often hold additional certifications from organizations like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the Plain City area is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. However, the effective cost is significantly reduced by the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other potential local incentives. Financing options are plentiful, with most top providers offering solar loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to make systems accessible with little or no money down. The market is predominantly grid-tied, but interest in battery storage systems (like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) is rising due to concerns over grid reliability and energy independence.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Plain City regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Plain City, Ohio.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Plain City, 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 also has no state sales tax on solar installations, and while there is no state rebate, local net metering from AEP Ohio and potential SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit) income provide long-term financial benefits that improve the return on investment.
Plain City's climate offers excellent solar potential with about 180 sunny days per year, slightly above the U.S. average. Panels produce the most energy during long, clear summer days, but they still generate significant power in winter, especially on cold, sunny days, as they operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage shedding, and their dark surfaces help melt snow relatively quickly.
All installations in Plain City require an electrical permit from the Village's Building Department, and your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The system must comply with the Ohio Building Code and AEP Ohio's specific interconnection requirements for net metering. It's also wise to check for any neighborhood-specific covenants or HOA rules, though Ohio law (House Bill 79) restricts HOAs from outright banning solar installations.
Prioritize installers who are Ohio-licensed electrical contractors (like a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or LEC) and have specific experience with AEP Ohio's interconnection process. Look for established local or regional companies with strong references in Union and Madison Counties, as they will be most familiar with Plain City's permitting. Always verify they offer robust workmanship warranties (often 10+ years) in addition to the manufacturer's 25-year panel warranty.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, to protect utility line workers. To have power during an outage in Plain City, you need a system equipped with a solar battery backup (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) or a specialized solar inverter with islanding capability. This is an important consideration for homeowners concerned about grid reliability and is an upgrade you should discuss with your installer.