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
31 solar companies in Ohio provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 56 Reviews
Josh Alecusan, 1 week ago
After a couple months of research and vetting ~15 companies, both local and national brands, I was ecstatic to be going with Gold Path. In fact, as companies have followed up with me they have confirmed that Gold Path gave me an unbeatable package of equipment and pricing. It is an extensive process to get the correct permitting in place, and Gold Path handled it all while also keeping me up to date. After all permitting, they came out (with their own installation team, no 3rd party!) and did a fantastic job with the install in a half a days time. My solar system is now running and I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with Gold Path! There are really 3 main things you can look for in a Solar provider; Equipment, pricing, and customer experience, and all 3 have been a 10/10.
Read more
Josh Alecusan, 1 week ago
After a couple months of research and vetting ~15 companies, both local and national brands, I was ecstatic to be going with Gold Path. In fact, as companies have followed up with me they have confirmed that Gold Path gave me an unbeatable package of equipment and pricing. It is an extensive process to get the correct permitting in place, and Gold Path handled it all while also keeping me up to date. After all permitting, they came out (with their own installation team, no 3rd party!) and did a fantastic job with the install in a half a days time. My solar system is now running and I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with Gold Path! There are really 3 main things you can look for in a Solar provider; Equipment, pricing, and customer experience, and all 3 have been a 10/10.
4.85 116 Reviews
Dave Robinson, 3 days ago
Outstanding!! A very professional installation from first estimate through to swich on. Excellent communication throughout and explanation of details for the technical and financial aspects. In particular the project manager Michael Oliver, his site crew and office support. A pleasant and educational experience dealing with this company
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Dave Robinson, 3 days ago
Outstanding!! A very professional installation from first estimate through to swich on. Excellent communication throughout and explanation of details for the technical and financial aspects. In particular the project manager Michael Oliver, his site crew and office support. A pleasant and educational experience dealing with this company
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.
Read more
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.
4.63 18 Reviews
Cheryl, 1 week ago
Coldstream Solar is an outstanding company, with great integrity, knowledge and professionalism. I am so thrilled to have solar panels. My last two electric bills have been a negative balance! I can without hesitation recommend Coldstream if you are interested in going solar. Their installation is seamless, their sales team is outstanding, and I am considering having Coldstream construction replace my siding and gutters! Thank you!
Read more
Cheryl, 1 week ago
Coldstream Solar is an outstanding company, with great integrity, knowledge and professionalism. I am so thrilled to have solar panels. My last two electric bills have been a negative balance! I can without hesitation recommend Coldstream if you are interested in going solar. Their installation is seamless, their sales team is outstanding, and I am considering having Coldstream construction replace my siding and gutters! Thank you!
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.
Read more
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.
4.50 1,910 Reviews
Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 6 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
Read more
Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 6 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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!
Read more
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!