There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Although the Ohio Public Utilities Commission recently reduced the amount of credit you get when you send unused solar power back to your utility, solar power still makes a lot of sense here for homeowners.
In the future, we'd like to see more support from Mike DeWine for homeowners who want to go solar, and on a strengthened renewable portfolio standard. Ohioans deserve to be part of a profitable renewable energy future for us all.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Ohio homeowners
See what Ohio solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Ohio solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Ohio
If you install your photovoltaic system before 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% at the end of 2032.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Ohio used to have one of the strongest net metering policies in the country. However, now any net excess generation your system produces on a monthly basis will be credited to your bill, but only at the per-kWh generation charge, which averages between 4 and 5 cents per kWh across the state. While that’s still a credit, it’s less than half of current retail electricity rates of $0.12/kwh.
Therefore, it’s important to size your solar energy system well, so you aren’t feeding in a whole bunch of credits back to your utility when you aren’t able to use the power onise.
Ohio separates itself from the pack as one of the handful of states that allows you to request a check for any credits accumulated over the course of a 12-month billing cycle. That’s right – if you run a surplus for the year, the utility company will actually pay you.
While Ohio does not have a dedicated state rebate for solar panel installation, some manufacturers like LG offer their own solar rebates. These programs are usually time sensitive. For example, LG offers a $600 solar rebate on their equipment, which your installer can help you redeem over the next year.
Here’s some great news: the value of your home goes up when you install solar panels. Here’s some okay news: The cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati will let you keep that extra home value off the property tax rolls for many years to come. Here's some not-so-good news: the rest of the state has property tax relief only for commercial solar installations.
Ohio does have a sales tax exemption for solar energy though! That means you’ll save 5.75% on the purchase of your new system. On an investment of tens of thousands of dollars, that’s nothing to sneeze at.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
25 solar companies in Ohio provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.84 85 Reviews
Jim, 1 week ago
We just had a solar system installed at our home by Paradise and are completely satisfied. Everyone we worked with was excellent and extremely helpful. Sheldon gave us all the information we needed to make an informed decision without even a hint of pressure. Matt guided us thru the actual installation process and never seemed to mind my numerous questions. Eric and his crew did a great job on the install despite the excessive heat wave. They were very neat and kept me informed during the process. Permitting was handled by Paradise and I just needed to sign the paperwork. I would recommend them to anyone looking to have solar installed. Thank you all.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Jim, 1 week ago
We just had a solar system installed at our home by Paradise and are completely satisfied. Everyone we worked with was excellent and extremely helpful. Sheldon gave us all the information we needed to make an informed decision without even a hint of pressure. Matt guided us thru the actual installation process and never seemed to mind my numerous questions. Eric and his crew did a great job on the install despite the excessive heat wave. They were very neat and kept me informed during the process. Permitting was handled by Paradise and I just needed to sign the paperwork. I would recommend them to anyone looking to have solar installed. Thank you all.
4.63 36 Reviews
MMiller, over 1 month
I started searching for a solar panel company to work with in January of this year. When I met with Mike from Ecohouse Solar in early May I knew I found the right group of people to work with. Mike, Andy, Rocky, Dan, the office staff, everyone was friendly and professional to work with and took time to answer my questions along the way. They are very clear on what to expect during the process. Panels were installed in mid-July; on-site crew was hard working and very respectful of my home and property. A great experience from start to finish!
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MMiller, over 1 month
I started searching for a solar panel company to work with in January of this year. When I met with Mike from Ecohouse Solar in early May I knew I found the right group of people to work with. Mike, Andy, Rocky, Dan, the office staff, everyone was friendly and professional to work with and took time to answer my questions along the way. They are very clear on what to expect during the process. Panels were installed in mid-July; on-site crew was hard working and very respectful of my home and property. A great experience from start to finish!
4.62 52 Reviews
Brandon Brooks, over 1 month
Great experience all around!!!!! Best solar installers in ohio hands down!!!!!!
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Brandon Brooks, over 1 month
Great experience all around!!!!! Best solar installers in ohio hands down!!!!!!
4.52 1,613 Reviews
Tamica, 1 day ago
If I could give Blue Raven a negative 1 I would. They are full of it. I was excited to get solar panels for my first home and now I regret it. They came out installed the panels but failed to communicate that they needed some additional parts and would need to come back . I only learned of this after boxes showed up to my home for Blue nRaven. I called and they advised a tech would come out to finish the job only to have days later to get a text message saying my appointment was cancelled indefinitely. Well that was in August and here it is almost October and still no working panels. I have a product that I am paying for but cant use. I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND BLUE RAVEN TO ANYONE!
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Tamica, 1 day ago
If I could give Blue Raven a negative 1 I would. They are full of it. I was excited to get solar panels for my first home and now I regret it. They came out installed the panels but failed to communicate that they needed some additional parts and would need to come back . I only learned of this after boxes showed up to my home for Blue nRaven. I called and they advised a tech would come out to finish the job only to have days later to get a text message saying my appointment was cancelled indefinitely. Well that was in August and here it is almost October and still no working panels. I have a product that I am paying for but cant use. I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND BLUE RAVEN TO ANYONE!
4.49 55 Reviews
Solar45224, over 1 month
I had a 19 panel system installed last week. I’m overall very satisfied with SIF on pricing, quality of equipment, and quality of install. The only area that I wish was a little better is their communication. During my 3 month install process, I called the office 3 times. I never had anyone answer the phone when I called, but they did call me or text me back within 24 hours. Ultimately, no major issue, but hope they improve this going forward. If/when I move, I would be happy to have SIF install a system on my next home.
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Solar45224, over 1 month
I had a 19 panel system installed last week. I’m overall very satisfied with SIF on pricing, quality of equipment, and quality of install. The only area that I wish was a little better is their communication. During my 3 month install process, I called the office 3 times. I never had anyone answer the phone when I called, but they did call me or text me back within 24 hours. Ultimately, no major issue, but hope they improve this going forward. If/when I move, I would be happy to have SIF install a system on my next home.
4.46 14 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We hired Bold Alternatives to do a 3KW array on our house (no storage). They pulled all permits and passed inspection the first time. The array looks beautiful. They worked with a roofer who seems to have done a good job with our cedar shingle roof. Overall a highly recommended company.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
We hired Bold Alternatives to do a 3KW array on our house (no storage). They pulled all permits and passed inspection the first time. The array looks beautiful. They worked with a roofer who seems to have done a good job with our cedar shingle roof. Overall a highly recommended company.
4.44 85 Reviews
Sam Basu, 1 day ago
Once decided on going solar, our journey with SolarSME began with Ray - who took the time to go over detailed system requirements & costs. Emir from SolarSME then took over as project manager as we moved into system design phase - all communications were timely & professional. Despite not being local, Emir coordinated everything well from inspection to installation details & did commendable work procuring all needed materials on time. We're quite satisfied with SolarSME & looking forward to years of clean energy from our solar panel installations.
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Sam Basu, 1 day ago
Once decided on going solar, our journey with SolarSME began with Ray - who took the time to go over detailed system requirements & costs. Emir from SolarSME then took over as project manager as we moved into system design phase - all communications were timely & professional. Despite not being local, Emir coordinated everything well from inspection to installation details & did commendable work procuring all needed materials on time. We're quite satisfied with SolarSME & looking forward to years of clean energy from our solar panel installations.
4.44 31 Reviews
Wadsworth 2021, over 1 month
Cody, Paul and their team were great to work with. We had 1 panel fail shortly after install but it was replaced in a timely manner. I'm surprised at the power it generates on cloudy days. Can't wait to see the output and savings after 1 entire year. We check the App frequently to see how things are going with the system. I was able to identify a reoccurring power pattern and resolved the reason for the periodic spikes in usage that the electric bill doesn't show. I waited to do this review until I had some time and experience with the product and people. I highly recommend YellowLite.
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Wadsworth 2021, over 1 month
Cody, Paul and their team were great to work with. We had 1 panel fail shortly after install but it was replaced in a timely manner. I'm surprised at the power it generates on cloudy days. Can't wait to see the output and savings after 1 entire year. We check the App frequently to see how things are going with the system. I was able to identify a reoccurring power pattern and resolved the reason for the periodic spikes in usage that the electric bill doesn't show. I waited to do this review until I had some time and experience with the product and people. I highly recommend YellowLite.
4.38 18 Reviews
ARP - The best Solar system out , over 1 month
I am not sure where to start. I saw a huge difference in the various installers out there. ARP-Solar is EXCELLENT. I looked seriously at four different providers and Gary Easton at ARP-Solar was by far the best; best design, most knowledgeable about the products in the industry and the industry in general, fastest response time to questions, best references, and yes, the best price. His installation team was very pleasant to work with and top notch. They even re-stacked my fire wood next to where they installed one of the disconnect boxes. I can’t wait to tell everyone in my network about them. The only issues I really had all were dealing with Duke Energy and getting the bi-directional meter in. We had issues with them reading it correctly and entering the data correctly. It should be fixed now – my last Duke energy bill was $5.36 for November. I still need to find a way to keep the snow and ice off the panels and to clear out these clouds! I can’t wait to see my production numbers this coming spring and summer!
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ARP - The best Solar system out , over 1 month
I am not sure where to start. I saw a huge difference in the various installers out there. ARP-Solar is EXCELLENT. I looked seriously at four different providers and Gary Easton at ARP-Solar was by far the best; best design, most knowledgeable about the products in the industry and the industry in general, fastest response time to questions, best references, and yes, the best price. His installation team was very pleasant to work with and top notch. They even re-stacked my fire wood next to where they installed one of the disconnect boxes. I can’t wait to tell everyone in my network about them. The only issues I really had all were dealing with Duke Energy and getting the bi-directional meter in. We had issues with them reading it correctly and entering the data correctly. It should be fixed now – my last Duke energy bill was $5.36 for November. I still need to find a way to keep the snow and ice off the panels and to clear out these clouds! I can’t wait to see my production numbers this coming spring and summer!
4.35 23 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
SunLight Solutions has solved our high energy bills. Our electric bills keep increasing and now after our solar panels have been installed our first bill has shown a nearly 50% decrease. Everyone at Solar Energy has been so friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. Keeping in touch with us and letting us know what to expect with every step was so helpful and we found it to be very comforting.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
SunLight Solutions has solved our high energy bills. Our electric bills keep increasing and now after our solar panels have been installed our first bill has shown a nearly 50% decrease. Everyone at Solar Energy has been so friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. Keeping in touch with us and letting us know what to expect with every step was so helpful and we found it to be very comforting.