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
30 solar companies in Ohio provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.83 101 Reviews
Ridgebury TWP, 2 weeks ago
Positives. Fred McNeal (sales consultant) was my first contact with Paradise Energy Solutions. I've been considering Solar for are home for several years and could not get responses from any solar companies. Hence, I contacted Fred and he immediately reply for us to meet. Fred is very informative and made several trips to the home and we were comfortable deciding to go with Paradise proposal. The start of construction of the system did come with some hic cups. The installation of the metal uprights went well except for one upright went off plum. After the assembly of the frame for the array solar panels it was apparent there would be large dip in a section of the array, and I express a concern this would cause some stress in this area of panels and ask how this could be corrected. I asked if this one cross frame could be raised up to level up this section by drilling holes in upright to correct the dip. At first it was a maybe. This is where I want to mention Troy a installer from the Towanda, PA office. I do not know his last name. Troy worked out a solution that day to correct the dip, so the array was level throughout. Troy was always positive throughout the construction. A great person, professional and always answer questions I would ask. Troy went above and beyond. Also, I want to mention Bryan. Again, I do not know the last name. My understanding Bryan is from the New York office. Bryan was great installer, very friendly and easy to talk too. Troy and Bryan were two main installers. There were other installers for one day to help pull wire and it was great to have them on the site and they were also very professional. Negative. Daniel Trimm(Project Manager). My first interaction with Dan was going over the construction site. Dan walked through and discussed the location of array. In that conversation we talked about laying the conduit and the route to the house. I asked what type of equipment would be use for the trench. Dan said most likely use a trencher and he would be the operator as Paradise has no one else. The second visit by Dan was for the final to say they have been approved to proceed with construction and marked out the location. Again, I asked what type or equipment will be used for the trench to the home and Dan said it would be subcontracted out. Again, I ask what type of equipment will be used and Dan said an excavator. What size bucket would be used and did not answer me well. So, I said would it be a 12” bucket and he said yes. What the sub-contractor used was very large excavator with a 24” wide bucket. A 24 “trench to install a 1 1/4'” conduit. I lost my temper on Dan that day of construction. His arrogance was not welcome in regards the impact this was going to cause me a larger than expected area to clean-up and a expense of topsoil which will be around $1,000 to $1500 dollars, not including grass seed and mulch. All this will depend on how much settling takes place. If a trencher or small excavator with a 12” bucket was used, the clean -up would be easier, the settling would be manageable and the expense much lower. Dan visited the site a couple more times and we did not interact much. Troy and Bryan finished the installation and the next time I saw Dan was a early morning one day. He did not come to house to say he was there. I saw him at the array and on his phone. That day I received an Email from Crystal Bentley (NY Process Manager) for final payment. I then return an Email to Crystal was someone going to review the system with me and show me how to do the monitoring. Crystal replied back Dan would be contacting me for that. Later in the day I received an Email saying he sent me link for connecting for monitoring. This was very disappointing that no one was going to walk us through how to set-up for monitoring and how to understand the monitoring and review the system with us and say it was in operation. Again, for me Dan’s arrogance was very unwarranted. One more negative. On the first visit with Dan for the site he presented an sign off for Srec credits so Paradise could manage and sell the credits. This was new to us and never previously discuss before. This is where Fred McNeal should have given us more insight on the credits and handling of credits. The proposal shows possible yearly credits but did not talk about Paradise managing the credits with 6% or $4.00 minimum fee. Also, the agreement does not say if Paradise will sell credits every year and how will I know how many credits have been earned in a year. I sent an Email to Fred McNeal regarding the sign off asked him to contact me for more understanding and his reply was short and said you can sell the credits on your own. This is true if I clearly understood all this. At this time, I signed off for Paradise to manage the credits for two years. My point of this, the proposal should show this impact with Paradise selling the credits more education on credits. Bottomline Paradise is great choice for Solar system installation. There are other installers, but Paradise is very professional and will stand behind the work.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Ridgebury TWP, 2 weeks ago
Positives. Fred McNeal (sales consultant) was my first contact with Paradise Energy Solutions. I've been considering Solar for are home for several years and could not get responses from any solar companies. Hence, I contacted Fred and he immediately reply for us to meet. Fred is very informative and made several trips to the home and we were comfortable deciding to go with Paradise proposal. The start of construction of the system did come with some hic cups. The installation of the metal uprights went well except for one upright went off plum. After the assembly of the frame for the array solar panels it was apparent there would be large dip in a section of the array, and I express a concern this would cause some stress in this area of panels and ask how this could be corrected. I asked if this one cross frame could be raised up to level up this section by drilling holes in upright to correct the dip. At first it was a maybe. This is where I want to mention Troy a installer from the Towanda, PA office. I do not know his last name. Troy worked out a solution that day to correct the dip, so the array was level throughout. Troy was always positive throughout the construction. A great person, professional and always answer questions I would ask. Troy went above and beyond. Also, I want to mention Bryan. Again, I do not know the last name. My understanding Bryan is from the New York office. Bryan was great installer, very friendly and easy to talk too. Troy and Bryan were two main installers. There were other installers for one day to help pull wire and it was great to have them on the site and they were also very professional. Negative. Daniel Trimm(Project Manager). My first interaction with Dan was going over the construction site. Dan walked through and discussed the location of array. In that conversation we talked about laying the conduit and the route to the house. I asked what type of equipment would be use for the trench. Dan said most likely use a trencher and he would be the operator as Paradise has no one else. The second visit by Dan was for the final to say they have been approved to proceed with construction and marked out the location. Again, I asked what type or equipment will be used for the trench to the home and Dan said it would be subcontracted out. Again, I ask what type of equipment will be used and Dan said an excavator. What size bucket would be used and did not answer me well. So, I said would it be a 12” bucket and he said yes. What the sub-contractor used was very large excavator with a 24” wide bucket. A 24 “trench to install a 1 1/4'” conduit. I lost my temper on Dan that day of construction. His arrogance was not welcome in regards the impact this was going to cause me a larger than expected area to clean-up and a expense of topsoil which will be around $1,000 to $1500 dollars, not including grass seed and mulch. All this will depend on how much settling takes place. If a trencher or small excavator with a 12” bucket was used, the clean -up would be easier, the settling would be manageable and the expense much lower. Dan visited the site a couple more times and we did not interact much. Troy and Bryan finished the installation and the next time I saw Dan was a early morning one day. He did not come to house to say he was there. I saw him at the array and on his phone. That day I received an Email from Crystal Bentley (NY Process Manager) for final payment. I then return an Email to Crystal was someone going to review the system with me and show me how to do the monitoring. Crystal replied back Dan would be contacting me for that. Later in the day I received an Email saying he sent me link for connecting for monitoring. This was very disappointing that no one was going to walk us through how to set-up for monitoring and how to understand the monitoring and review the system with us and say it was in operation. Again, for me Dan’s arrogance was very unwarranted. One more negative. On the first visit with Dan for the site he presented an sign off for Srec credits so Paradise could manage and sell the credits. This was new to us and never previously discuss before. This is where Fred McNeal should have given us more insight on the credits and handling of credits. The proposal shows possible yearly credits but did not talk about Paradise managing the credits with 6% or $4.00 minimum fee. Also, the agreement does not say if Paradise will sell credits every year and how will I know how many credits have been earned in a year. I sent an Email to Fred McNeal regarding the sign off asked him to contact me for more understanding and his reply was short and said you can sell the credits on your own. This is true if I clearly understood all this. At this time, I signed off for Paradise to manage the credits for two years. My point of this, the proposal should show this impact with Paradise selling the credits more education on credits. Bottomline Paradise is great choice for Solar system installation. There are other installers, but Paradise is very professional and will stand behind the work.
4.66 79 Reviews
Matt Peak, 1 day ago
I am wrapping up my experience with Purelight right now and have to say they are absolutely top of the line! From the initial sales meetings, they provided clear and consistent communication and we never felt left behind throughout the whole process. Our family highly recommends Purelight to anyone interested in going solar!
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Matt Peak, 1 day ago
I am wrapping up my experience with Purelight right now and have to say they are absolutely top of the line! From the initial sales meetings, they provided clear and consistent communication and we never felt left behind throughout the whole process. Our family highly recommends Purelight to anyone interested in going solar!
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 40 Reviews
James pan, over 1 month
contacted ecohouse after reading their reviews on Google. They were exactly as advertised. Mike Hopper did an exceptional job with the lay out for the solar panels as well as working with our HOA to get it approved for construction. The installation crew and office was professional, prompt, and were excellent with communication. The work they did was professional and outstanding. I highly recommend them if you are considering adding solar for your home power needs!
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James pan, over 1 month
contacted ecohouse after reading their reviews on Google. They were exactly as advertised. Mike Hopper did an exceptional job with the lay out for the solar panels as well as working with our HOA to get it approved for construction. The installation crew and office was professional, prompt, and were excellent with communication. The work they did was professional and outstanding. I highly recommend them if you are considering adding solar for your home power needs!
4.58 13 Reviews
Monte Erickson, 4 days ago
Because the solar industry is so tainted, dishonest and greedy, I had to interview and get quotes from 8 different companies. What I found was major inconsistencies for the same products and installation processes. Then I found Jake, his company and team. They were not only honest through the whole process, but their pricing was fair, and they had some unique financing that happened to be what I wanted. From the beginning, Jake was on top of everything. He knew the time lines and coached me through every step. Everything took place exactly like he said. Product and team showed up as scheduled every time. The installation was absolutely a work of art. So neat and professionally done. That is not normally the case with other solar groups. I have seen their shotty work. You can definitely tell that their years of experience and distain for all that is wrong with this business has helped them shape a perfectly seamless process. I would recommend them to anyone needing solar. Monte Erickson, Realtor, Lokation Real Estate, Columbia, SC, 303 246 9742 Monteslokation@gmail.com
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Monte Erickson, 4 days ago
Because the solar industry is so tainted, dishonest and greedy, I had to interview and get quotes from 8 different companies. What I found was major inconsistencies for the same products and installation processes. Then I found Jake, his company and team. They were not only honest through the whole process, but their pricing was fair, and they had some unique financing that happened to be what I wanted. From the beginning, Jake was on top of everything. He knew the time lines and coached me through every step. Everything took place exactly like he said. Product and team showed up as scheduled every time. The installation was absolutely a work of art. So neat and professionally done. That is not normally the case with other solar groups. I have seen their shotty work. You can definitely tell that their years of experience and distain for all that is wrong with this business has helped them shape a perfectly seamless process. I would recommend them to anyone needing solar. Monte Erickson, Realtor, Lokation Real Estate, Columbia, SC, 303 246 9742 Monteslokation@gmail.com
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 1,766 Reviews
Jena, 1 day ago
Such a terrible company to work with. Would never in my wildest dreams recommend them to anyone asking about solar. From date of signing contract with their delays, then getting less in federal incentives because of that delay, to the leak they put in my roof, to my system barely being over 2 years and doesn't work at all for months and their technician no showing to the appointment to diagnose to being told it was canceled without notice. A warning to all go with another company.
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Jena, 1 day ago
Such a terrible company to work with. Would never in my wildest dreams recommend them to anyone asking about solar. From date of signing contract with their delays, then getting less in federal incentives because of that delay, to the leak they put in my roof, to my system barely being over 2 years and doesn't work at all for months and their technician no showing to the appointment to diagnose to being told it was canceled without notice. A warning to all go with another company.
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.