Summary of Ohio solar incentives 2022
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.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Ohio homeowners
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See what Ohio solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Ohio solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Ohio
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% 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 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in Ohio
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.
Ohio solar rebates
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.
Tax exemptions
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.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Ohio after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
10.1-12.4 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$29,850-$36,484
Average size system installed in OH in 2022
10.8kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Ohio
25 solar companies in Ohio provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.86 70 Reviews
Latest review
Smith0, over 1 month
In 70 years, I have never had a better experience working with an installer, contractor, repairman, of any person or group. From day one, with the initial visit for an estimate, to the very last day to turn the solar panels on, Paradise has been a pleasure to work with. During the entireprocess I would get a weekly email explaining exactly the status of the project, from ordering and shipping of panels to obtaining permits to final installation. When delays in panel shipping occurred, Paradise gave me the option of switching panels to avoid delays. The installers were clean, courteous, and friendly. They cleaned up the area every day. Over the first several weeks, the system has performed well above expectations. I have already recommended Paradise to all my friends and would strongly recommend Paradise Energy Solutions to anyone considering solar power.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Latest review
Smith0, over 1 month
In 70 years, I have never had a better experience working with an installer, contractor, repairman, of any person or group. From day one, with the initial visit for an estimate, to the very last day to turn the solar panels on, Paradise has been a pleasure to work with. During the entireprocess I would get a weekly email explaining exactly the status of the project, from ordering and shipping of panels to obtaining permits to final installation. When delays in panel shipping occurred, Paradise gave me the option of switching panels to avoid delays. The installers were clean, courteous, and friendly. They cleaned up the area every day. Over the first several weeks, the system has performed well above expectations. I have already recommended Paradise to all my friends and would strongly recommend Paradise Energy Solutions to anyone considering solar power.
4.67 51 Reviews
Latest review
H. Decker Jones, over 1 month
I found Solar Is Freedom on the web along with several other solar companies. I had two come to give assessments and estimates. Obviously, I chose Solar Is Freedeom. My contact Tat SIF is Adam Tomlin; I could not expect for. better service. Adam never failed to answer questions and get back to me when I needed him. I had a special request in my project, because of supply delays the project took longer to finish than projected. I was never left out of the loop and when I had a question on timing I was given the correct person to contact. I highly recommend Adam Tomlin and Slolar Is Freedom. H. Decker Jones.
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Latest review
H. Decker Jones, over 1 month
I found Solar Is Freedom on the web along with several other solar companies. I had two come to give assessments and estimates. Obviously, I chose Solar Is Freedeom. My contact Tat SIF is Adam Tomlin; I could not expect for. better service. Adam never failed to answer questions and get back to me when I needed him. I had a special request in my project, because of supply delays the project took longer to finish than projected. I was never left out of the loop and when I had a question on timing I was given the correct person to contact. I highly recommend Adam Tomlin and Slolar Is Freedom. H. Decker Jones.
4.63 1,559 Reviews
Latest review
BKClark, 2 days ago
So far we are liking our solar system. All the people we dealt with were great! Beyond great. Thanks.
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Latest review
BKClark, 2 days ago
So far we are liking our solar system. All the people we dealt with were great! Beyond great. Thanks.
4.62 50 Reviews
Latest review
EDW, over 1 month
Third Sun solar installed our system in August of 2020. We contacted several Ohio-based companies and they were all quick to respond and offer a proposal. We chose Third Sun based on their established track record. It has been a very positive experience and the results exceeded projections. Currently, we are offsetting 100% of our electrical needs with the solar system. This, in Dayton, Ohio which is not the sunniest place in the world. Go Solar!
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Latest review
EDW, over 1 month
Third Sun solar installed our system in August of 2020. We contacted several Ohio-based companies and they were all quick to respond and offer a proposal. We chose Third Sun based on their established track record. It has been a very positive experience and the results exceeded projections. Currently, we are offsetting 100% of our electrical needs with the solar system. This, in Dayton, Ohio which is not the sunniest place in the world. Go Solar!
4.49 40 Reviews
Latest review
Michael, 4 days ago
Ryan Filo and his team did a great job. We had hiccups out of their control but they handled them well.
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Latest review
Michael, 4 days ago
Ryan Filo and his team did a great job. We had hiccups out of their control but they handled them well.
4.47 30 Reviews
Latest review
Dan, over 1 month
I suspect I'm picky about customer service, and know I'm picky about how things are done and how they look on my house. These guys were knowledgeable, and just great to work with. Did a very nice job. Professional, quality work. I'm very pleased.
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Latest review
Dan, over 1 month
I suspect I'm picky about customer service, and know I'm picky about how things are done and how they look on my house. These guys were knowledgeable, and just great to work with. Did a very nice job. Professional, quality work. I'm very pleased.
4.46 14 Reviews
Latest review
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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Latest review
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.
4.45 29 Reviews
Latest review
Chris Corvette, over 1 month
When we began considering solar, we contacted a number of vendors, read a great deal, and spoke with numerous neighbors who had solar. After interviewing several solar vendors — and began to think that we had walked into a car dealership — we sat down with Ecohouse Solar, and Andy Kuss came to our house, went over everything that we could think of plus more. He was not in a hurry and did not use any pressure sales tactics. We decided to go with Ecohouse Solar. The installation crew was incredible. Fast, efficient, communicative, and friendly — our dog wanted to go home with one. The Ecohouse Solar electrician was the same story. They did the entire installation in two days, and they left the place cleaner than when they arrived. By far, the longest part of the entire venture was waiting for AEP. (And thank heavens Ecohouse Solar took care of the paperwork. We recommend them without hesitation, and we have not done so with anyone else in years.
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Latest review
Chris Corvette, over 1 month
When we began considering solar, we contacted a number of vendors, read a great deal, and spoke with numerous neighbors who had solar. After interviewing several solar vendors — and began to think that we had walked into a car dealership — we sat down with Ecohouse Solar, and Andy Kuss came to our house, went over everything that we could think of plus more. He was not in a hurry and did not use any pressure sales tactics. We decided to go with Ecohouse Solar. The installation crew was incredible. Fast, efficient, communicative, and friendly — our dog wanted to go home with one. The Ecohouse Solar electrician was the same story. They did the entire installation in two days, and they left the place cleaner than when they arrived. By far, the longest part of the entire venture was waiting for AEP. (And thank heavens Ecohouse Solar took care of the paperwork. We recommend them without hesitation, and we have not done so with anyone else in years.
4.38 18 Reviews
Latest review
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!
Read more
Latest review
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
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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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