Ohio Solar Guide 2026
Everything Ohio homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.
Key fact about Ohio solar
Ohio's 2023 SB 221 weakened net metering, reducing export values for new installations. Self-consumption and battery storage are increasingly important for Ohio solar owners.
Peak sun hours
4.2
hrs/day avg
Avg electricity rate
13.0¢
per kWh
Median install cost
$2.9/W
before incentives
Typical payback
12 yrs
8 kW system, avg usage
Typical 8 kW system in Ohio
Annual production
12,264 kWh
Year-1 savings
$1,594
System cost (est.)
$23,200
No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Ohio Net Metering Policy
Net metering (SB 221 — limited)
Ohio's net metering rules were weakened by SB 221 (2023). AEP Ohio and FirstEnergy now offer net billing rather than full retail NEM for new customers. Export credits are significantly below retail.
Ohio Solar Incentives
Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.
- ✓Property tax exemption on added home value
- ✓Sales tax exemption
- ✓Ohio Air Quality Development Authority loans
Top Utilities in Ohio
Interconnection timeline: 5–10 weeks
Calculate your Ohio solar economics
Our calculators are pre-filled with Ohio data. Run any tool below.