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.
4.85 46 Reviews
Jerred Mitchell, over 1 month
Alex Hay from Gold Path Solar helped me help my friend who was part of the Solar is Freedom Bankruptcy scandal. A whole grid of his solar panels was not collecting any solar power. I called Alex Hay from when he worked for Solar is Freedom since he is the one who sold me Solar Panels for my house and how the energy companies keep increasing their price each year. I contacted him about the Solar is Freedom bankruptcy and asked him if I had any warranty anymore since this was a big selling point for getting solar panels. He let me know that he was not part of that company anymore after being fired. He then let me know that he started his own solar company with the people he worked with before. I asked him for a favor to go over to my friend’s house to see what was going on with his panels. No later than a day he was out at his house did an inspection and found out that it was an inverter and one panel had hail damage. Alex let me know that the hardware still has a warranty but fixing it would cost money for the labor since it is another company install. So, there is still good news for the Solar is Freedom customers out there. I recommend Gold Path Solar and Alex Hay co-founder if you are having any problems with your Solar Panels from Solar is Freedom or if you are planning on getting solar panels for your house now. Alex is a stand-up person; he could have just said that it was not his problem and hung up on me, but he didn’t and helped my friend out. So, if you already have solar panels and need help or planning on getting them installed on your house. Gold Path Solar is the company you want to go with. Here is his line, Stand up real person. Alex Hay Co-Founder, GPS C: (513)646-4662 25 North St, Dublin, OH 43017
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Jerred Mitchell, over 1 month
Alex Hay from Gold Path Solar helped me help my friend who was part of the Solar is Freedom Bankruptcy scandal. A whole grid of his solar panels was not collecting any solar power. I called Alex Hay from when he worked for Solar is Freedom since he is the one who sold me Solar Panels for my house and how the energy companies keep increasing their price each year. I contacted him about the Solar is Freedom bankruptcy and asked him if I had any warranty anymore since this was a big selling point for getting solar panels. He let me know that he was not part of that company anymore after being fired. He then let me know that he started his own solar company with the people he worked with before. I asked him for a favor to go over to my friend’s house to see what was going on with his panels. No later than a day he was out at his house did an inspection and found out that it was an inverter and one panel had hail damage. Alex let me know that the hardware still has a warranty but fixing it would cost money for the labor since it is another company install. So, there is still good news for the Solar is Freedom customers out there. I recommend Gold Path Solar and Alex Hay co-founder if you are having any problems with your Solar Panels from Solar is Freedom or if you are planning on getting solar panels for your house now. Alex is a stand-up person; he could have just said that it was not his problem and hung up on me, but he didn’t and helped my friend out. So, if you already have solar panels and need help or planning on getting them installed on your house. Gold Path Solar is the company you want to go with. Here is his line, Stand up real person. Alex Hay Co-Founder, GPS C: (513)646-4662 25 North St, Dublin, OH 43017
4.85 112 Reviews
Glen Denlinger, over 1 month
Our solar system was put in place by expert craftsmen. Paradise Energy Solutions provide excellent service. I can highly recommend them.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Glen Denlinger, over 1 month
Our solar system was put in place by expert craftsmen. Paradise Energy Solutions provide excellent service. I can highly recommend them.
4.65 41 Reviews
Steve G, over 1 month
Ecohouse Solar installed our 8.4 kW system in July of 2022 which included a new electrical service panel. Mike Hopper was excellent to work with and answered all of our (many) questions. He helped us design the best system with the right panels for us, at a great price. After signing the contract, Mike continued to keep us informed of all activities. Both the local and utility permitting/inspections were handled with little to no effort from us. All the installers and electricians were courteous and professional. They worked quickly without disrupting the yard or interior of the house. I would gladly recommend Ecohouse for anyone considering solar.
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Steve G, over 1 month
Ecohouse Solar installed our 8.4 kW system in July of 2022 which included a new electrical service panel. Mike Hopper was excellent to work with and answered all of our (many) questions. He helped us design the best system with the right panels for us, at a great price. After signing the contract, Mike continued to keep us informed of all activities. Both the local and utility permitting/inspections were handled with little to no effort from us. All the installers and electricians were courteous and professional. They worked quickly without disrupting the yard or interior of the house. I would gladly recommend Ecohouse for anyone considering solar.
4.53 56 Reviews
James B, over 1 month
We had a 30 panel system installed by Third Sun. They did a good job and the system has worked well. Last year one of the panels went bad and we contacted them about the warranty. The panels are from LG. . We were told when we contracted with Third Sun that if there was a warranty issue, we could go through them. When I reminded them of this they said they would look into it only to send an email a few days later saying they could not get in touch with LG. They basically said that it was our responsibility to contact LG but would not even supply any information about how to do that. The next issue has come up recently. When we purchased the panels we specifically asked what the cost would be for them to remove and replace the panels if we had to have the roof replaced. They told us that is would cost around $4,000. We are now having that done, so I contacted them and the price they now give me for removing and replacing the panels is over $19,000. Even given inflation this is outrageous. After the government tax rebates that is only a few thousand less than the original cost of the whole project and I suspect that we could put an entirely new system in for not much more than that. The message is beware of this new incarnation of Third Sun. Whatever integrity the original company had is apparently gone, so do not expect any help or service from them after installation. We are not only committed to solar but also in another area of the solar business, so we are well informed about costs. Kokosing is not a company with which we would advise doing business.
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James B, over 1 month
We had a 30 panel system installed by Third Sun. They did a good job and the system has worked well. Last year one of the panels went bad and we contacted them about the warranty. The panels are from LG. . We were told when we contracted with Third Sun that if there was a warranty issue, we could go through them. When I reminded them of this they said they would look into it only to send an email a few days later saying they could not get in touch with LG. They basically said that it was our responsibility to contact LG but would not even supply any information about how to do that. The next issue has come up recently. When we purchased the panels we specifically asked what the cost would be for them to remove and replace the panels if we had to have the roof replaced. They told us that is would cost around $4,000. We are now having that done, so I contacted them and the price they now give me for removing and replacing the panels is over $19,000. Even given inflation this is outrageous. After the government tax rebates that is only a few thousand less than the original cost of the whole project and I suspect that we could put an entirely new system in for not much more than that. The message is beware of this new incarnation of Third Sun. Whatever integrity the original company had is apparently gone, so do not expect any help or service from them after installation. We are not only committed to solar but also in another area of the solar business, so we are well informed about costs. Kokosing is not a company with which we would advise doing business.
4.49 1,857 Reviews
James P, over 1 month
Great experience from Sales to design, installation and interconnection.
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James P, over 1 month
Great experience from Sales to design, installation and interconnection.
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.
4.40 36 Reviews
Doug, over 1 month
I had several estimates for my solar project and ended up with Yellowlite. They were very informative and prompt on answering any questions anytime. Also wanted to stay with a local business. So many other solar companies are not even based in my area. Yellowlite is the way to go and will be referred. Thank You Yellowlite for making this project carefree of any issues from day one to the finish line.
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Doug, over 1 month
I had several estimates for my solar project and ended up with Yellowlite. They were very informative and prompt on answering any questions anytime. Also wanted to stay with a local business. So many other solar companies are not even based in my area. Yellowlite is the way to go and will be referred. Thank You Yellowlite for making this project carefree of any issues from day one to the finish line.
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!
4.32 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!