Ohio solar panels: The complete guide in 2025
Data updated Jul 15, 2025
Thinking about going solar? In Ohio, you’ll need a 12.76 kW system to match the average electric bill. It’ll cost you around $23,773 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Ohio
| Out of pocket cost, cash | $33,961 |
| Federal tax credit (30%) | - $10,188 |
| Price post tax credit | $23,773 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $65,953 | 8 Years | 91% |
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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Going solar in Ohio
Ohio’s solid net metering and SREC programs make solar panels a good investment for pretty much anyone.
Factor in the federal solar tax credit, and Buckeyes can cut the cost of solar by thousands of dollars, speeding up their payback periods and increasing the value of their investments.
Here's our guide to going solar in Ohio.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Ohio?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Ohio homeowner needs a 12.76 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $33,961 before incentives. Prices range from $28,867 to $39,055, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
Going solar pays off in Ohio. That's why over 32,000 Ohio homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 8.17 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
Solar panel systems are expensive upfront purchases, but there are a few different financing options to make that initial cost more manageable.
Cash purchase: You pay for your entire system upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Enables you to maintain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. When it comes to solar loans, subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs are usually your best bet. The next best options include a home equity loan or a personal loan—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). In general, these provide the lowest savings and garner the most negative press about solar. If you go this route, remember to read the fine print so you’re not trapped in a contract for longer than you intend.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Ohio?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Ohio. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Ohio | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $10,188 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
SRECs | Current market value for a single SREC is around $3 per MWh. | Clean-energy credits that you can sell for cash for five years until January 2028. |
Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program | - | Reduced-rate loans up to $50,000 for energy efficient home upgrades. Available in five or seven year terms. |
Is net metering available in Ohio?
If you live in a state with a net metering program, you can earn credits for the excess generation your solar panel system produces and delivers back to the grid. It’s essentially a solar buyback program that makes it so you owe little to nothing on your electric bills.
Utility companies in Ohio offer great net metering programs. You’ll pay a monthly meter connection fee, but you can bank your credits indefinitely, which often means you pay nothing for electricity.
Get the details on net metering in Ohio or see program specifics below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Solar panels continue to get more efficient, meaning they produce more power per square foot. In 2025, the most popular solar panels can produce about 450 watts of electricity in full sunlight—you’ll want panels with at least that much power output to get the most out of your installation.
It’s also important to choose a solar inverter setup that works for your roof’s layout.
And if you plan to install a solar battery, pick one that can easily integrate with that inverter.
While premium equipment can result in sticker shock, it typically saves you more money in the in the long run: The highest-quality panels degrade at a slower rate and maintain more of their power output for longer, and the best warranty terms often guarantee up to 40 years of coverage in case you need repairs or replacements.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Ohio?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Ohio:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
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resources
Top solar resources for Ohio
- Ohio Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC)
Learn about OH energy programs from the state government.
- OH Public Utilities Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in OH.
- Ohio Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about OH energy production and prices.
- OH State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in OH.
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