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 the end of 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% starting in 2033.
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
26 solar companies in Ohio provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.84 86 Reviews
Andrew John DiLiddo Jr, over 1 month
PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS is a wonderful company to work with. If you are considering solar energy for your home or business I highly recommend this company. Solar decision making is a process and deciding on a company to do the install is the first step in this venture. Should you vet and investigate one, two, or three companies? Sure, do your homework, investigate, explore and learn. I spent a couple of years doing that. The intention of this review is to save you time by recommending unequivocally PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS. I sat with a friend who had his home solarized by PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS a fews years ago. He retired from a local engineering firm that he worked for his whole working life so I knew of his construction experience. He recommended PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS. We reviewed some of the homework, due diligence we did together. At the present time there are four solar installations on homes that are near my home I know about. Two of the four are PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS customers. So, as a first step, do some homework. I spent two years doing that and I wish I had made the plunge sooner. On the PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS web site there is a simple form to make initial contact. After that is submitted, a number of steps in the process follow from there. It is a project that has different phases with tasks to be completed in each phase. Once I chose PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS the whole project from initial contact to the first Kwh generated took less than 3 months. Keep in mind that your local power company has to complete some of the steps in the project. In your locale there may be permitting & inspection requirements ad well. PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS is experienced EVEN IN THESE STEPS THAT ARE EXTERNAL TO THEIR OWN COMPANY and they regularly update you all along the way about what is happening and what the next steps are and possible time frames. I got to know quite a few people at PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS and each one was professional and knowledgable… work crews on the roof and in the basement at the electrical service circuit box were in and out of my home doing the work and every one of them was polite and very easy to talk with. They even told us when they were going to lunch and when they were coming back from lunch so there never was any mystery as to what is going on with the project. A neighbor in my allotment had had PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS install his panels a few years prior. The project manager of my install was actually up on that neighbor’s roof a few years ago. When that neighbor from a distant part of our allotment saw the trucks coming in and out of our neighborhood, he spontaneously took it upon himself to walk about a quarter of a mile from his home to my home to greet the work crew on their first day at my home. From his interactions with the work crew, I could clearly see that a few years after his installation he was still a very happy PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS customer. I live in Ohio and my work crew came from the PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Sugarcreek Ohio location. Sugarcreek Ohio is an area with many businesses and farms so they are well located to service residential AND commercial customers. The other PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS facility I worked with is located at Paradise, Pennsylvania. That location is near Reading Hershey and Allentown PA and not that far from New Jersey, Baltimore Maryland and Delaware. Having worked in New Jersey and Baltimore and visited relatives in Allentown, it is clear to me that this firm is well positioned and established serving both business -commercial AND residential customers. GO FOR IT.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Andrew John DiLiddo Jr, over 1 month
PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS is a wonderful company to work with. If you are considering solar energy for your home or business I highly recommend this company. Solar decision making is a process and deciding on a company to do the install is the first step in this venture. Should you vet and investigate one, two, or three companies? Sure, do your homework, investigate, explore and learn. I spent a couple of years doing that. The intention of this review is to save you time by recommending unequivocally PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS. I sat with a friend who had his home solarized by PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS a fews years ago. He retired from a local engineering firm that he worked for his whole working life so I knew of his construction experience. He recommended PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS. We reviewed some of the homework, due diligence we did together. At the present time there are four solar installations on homes that are near my home I know about. Two of the four are PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS customers. So, as a first step, do some homework. I spent two years doing that and I wish I had made the plunge sooner. On the PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS web site there is a simple form to make initial contact. After that is submitted, a number of steps in the process follow from there. It is a project that has different phases with tasks to be completed in each phase. Once I chose PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS the whole project from initial contact to the first Kwh generated took less than 3 months. Keep in mind that your local power company has to complete some of the steps in the project. In your locale there may be permitting & inspection requirements ad well. PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS is experienced EVEN IN THESE STEPS THAT ARE EXTERNAL TO THEIR OWN COMPANY and they regularly update you all along the way about what is happening and what the next steps are and possible time frames. I got to know quite a few people at PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS and each one was professional and knowledgable… work crews on the roof and in the basement at the electrical service circuit box were in and out of my home doing the work and every one of them was polite and very easy to talk with. They even told us when they were going to lunch and when they were coming back from lunch so there never was any mystery as to what is going on with the project. A neighbor in my allotment had had PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS install his panels a few years prior. The project manager of my install was actually up on that neighbor’s roof a few years ago. When that neighbor from a distant part of our allotment saw the trucks coming in and out of our neighborhood, he spontaneously took it upon himself to walk about a quarter of a mile from his home to my home to greet the work crew on their first day at my home. From his interactions with the work crew, I could clearly see that a few years after his installation he was still a very happy PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS customer. I live in Ohio and my work crew came from the PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Sugarcreek Ohio location. Sugarcreek Ohio is an area with many businesses and farms so they are well located to service residential AND commercial customers. The other PARADISE ENERGY SOLUTIONS facility I worked with is located at Paradise, Pennsylvania. That location is near Reading Hershey and Allentown PA and not that far from New Jersey, Baltimore Maryland and Delaware. Having worked in New Jersey and Baltimore and visited relatives in Allentown, it is clear to me that this firm is well positioned and established serving both business -commercial AND residential customers. GO FOR IT.
4.65 54 Reviews
Solarites, over 1 month
Very transparent process from start to install. Forthright, friendly and responsive to any and all questions or inquiries during sales, planning and installation. No hard sale re: sale of system. Installers were cordial, efficient and timely. System went on line a week ago. The monitoring capability via "Enlighten" is a great tool.
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Solarites, over 1 month
Very transparent process from start to install. Forthright, friendly and responsive to any and all questions or inquiries during sales, planning and installation. No hard sale re: sale of system. Installers were cordial, efficient and timely. System went on line a week ago. The monitoring capability via "Enlighten" is a great tool.
4.63 37 Reviews
Sam Stewart, 3 weeks ago
Working with Ecohouse Solar and Mike Hopper was a great experience. Mike is very knowledgeable, clearly explained the system and helped us with the 30% tax credit that made this project financially possible. The work crew was very professional, efficient and friendly. The work was done promptly, and the clean-up was excellent. After we started the solar panel part of the project, we decided to add a Generac generator to the system. Mike worked really well with Mid-Ohio Generators to help with the hook up requirements. We strongly suggest that you think about a generator from the start. We are now not only producing our own electricity, but we are also covered in case of power outages. I recommend Ecohouse Solar enthusiastically and without any reservations. Sam Stewart
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Sam Stewart, 3 weeks ago
Working with Ecohouse Solar and Mike Hopper was a great experience. Mike is very knowledgeable, clearly explained the system and helped us with the 30% tax credit that made this project financially possible. The work crew was very professional, efficient and friendly. The work was done promptly, and the clean-up was excellent. After we started the solar panel part of the project, we decided to add a Generac generator to the system. Mike worked really well with Mid-Ohio Generators to help with the hook up requirements. We strongly suggest that you think about a generator from the start. We are now not only producing our own electricity, but we are also covered in case of power outages. I recommend Ecohouse Solar enthusiastically and without any reservations. Sam Stewart
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.
4.46 1,649 Reviews
Dale Michael, 17 hours ago
I had solar panels installed by Blue Raven. They came out and did a site inspection / approval before installation, and approved it, this included a roof inspection. I had the panels installed and they did a lot of damaged to my roof, they broke shingles, wore off the mineral surface and now want to walk away. I now need a new roof where they worked and they do not want to take any responsibility for it saying the roof was old, it is around 16 years old and was a 40 year roof. This company seems to be shadier then shady with no one taking responsibility. It is my boss is out and I can not reach him or I talked to my boss and they will not take care of it. I am filing complaints with the attorneys generals office in two states against them and the contractors boards. Everyone that came here was new and was not sure of what they were doing and did a lot of damage, I am looking at between 20 and 30 thousand dollars and I want them to take care of the damage! if I did not hire them I would not be looking at this right now. CROOKS!!!!!
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Dale Michael, 17 hours ago
I had solar panels installed by Blue Raven. They came out and did a site inspection / approval before installation, and approved it, this included a roof inspection. I had the panels installed and they did a lot of damaged to my roof, they broke shingles, wore off the mineral surface and now want to walk away. I now need a new roof where they worked and they do not want to take any responsibility for it saying the roof was old, it is around 16 years old and was a 40 year roof. This company seems to be shadier then shady with no one taking responsibility. It is my boss is out and I can not reach him or I talked to my boss and they will not take care of it. I am filing complaints with the attorneys generals office in two states against them and the contractors boards. Everyone that came here was new and was not sure of what they were doing and did a lot of damage, I am looking at between 20 and 30 thousand dollars and I want them to take care of the damage! if I did not hire them I would not be looking at this right now. CROOKS!!!!!
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.
4.43 92 Reviews
Evan Johnston, over 1 month
Avoid Solar SME if you expect professionals to do their jobs. My experience with Solar SME started positively in June 2022. Ray Conner was helpful in answering my questions and setting me up with an 8kW grid-tied PV roof-mounted system that would meet my energy needs. Raffy Sha has been the project manager and helped answer my questions. Initial installation went as planned in September, 3 months after signing the contract as expected. Then things went awry and the lack of professionalism of Solar SME became evident. The system failed inspection primarily because of major design flaws that were not compliant with local code (the PV meter was not included in the design). Solar SME's design engineer, Muhammad Arshad, did not do their due diligence in designing a system that was compliant with local codes, even though Solar SME has claimed to do business throughout the central Texas region. Raffy Sha then attempted to find an electrical crew to correct the errors. After another 3 months (so 6 months total) involving at least 3 different electrical contractors, the job is still unfinished. Now, more than 6 months after starting the project, I have already paid 3 utility bills and 3 loan payments on the system that is installed on my home and is inoperable. Time has run out to get PTO before the 12/31/2022 deadline for the 2022 federal tax credit, which was the whole reason I started this process IN JUNE. Without getting the FTC on time, my loan payment will increase and I will likely lose about $8,000 due to Solar SME's failure to do the job I paid them $30,000 to do. Avoid my mistake in trusting Solar SME. "Subject Matter Expert" my foot.
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Evan Johnston, over 1 month
Avoid Solar SME if you expect professionals to do their jobs. My experience with Solar SME started positively in June 2022. Ray Conner was helpful in answering my questions and setting me up with an 8kW grid-tied PV roof-mounted system that would meet my energy needs. Raffy Sha has been the project manager and helped answer my questions. Initial installation went as planned in September, 3 months after signing the contract as expected. Then things went awry and the lack of professionalism of Solar SME became evident. The system failed inspection primarily because of major design flaws that were not compliant with local code (the PV meter was not included in the design). Solar SME's design engineer, Muhammad Arshad, did not do their due diligence in designing a system that was compliant with local codes, even though Solar SME has claimed to do business throughout the central Texas region. Raffy Sha then attempted to find an electrical crew to correct the errors. After another 3 months (so 6 months total) involving at least 3 different electrical contractors, the job is still unfinished. Now, more than 6 months after starting the project, I have already paid 3 utility bills and 3 loan payments on the system that is installed on my home and is inoperable. Time has run out to get PTO before the 12/31/2022 deadline for the 2022 federal tax credit, which was the whole reason I started this process IN JUNE. Without getting the FTC on time, my loan payment will increase and I will likely lose about $8,000 due to Solar SME's failure to do the job I paid them $30,000 to do. Avoid my mistake in trusting Solar SME. "Subject Matter Expert" my foot.
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.
4.32 10 Reviews
Silvia Rodriguez, over 1 month
They installed 8 LG 320 watt solar panels in our historic house in German Village. The process went smoothly. We had a good experience with Johnathan and his team at Modern Energy, they are very profesional. Also, we are very pleased with the way they handled all the permits with German Village commission and the city. Thank you to Modern Energy we became the first house in German Village with solar panels!
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Silvia Rodriguez, over 1 month
They installed 8 LG 320 watt solar panels in our historic house in German Village. The process went smoothly. We had a good experience with Johnathan and his team at Modern Energy, they are very profesional. Also, we are very pleased with the way they handled all the permits with German Village commission and the city. Thank you to Modern Energy we became the first house in German Village with solar panels!