Ohio Solar Calculator — 2026 Costs & Payback
Ohio offers full retail net metering from major investor-owned utilities (AEP Ohio, Duke Ohio, Toledo Edison, Ohio Edison) and 100% property tax exemption on residential solar. Payback typically 10–12 years — solid, with no state tax credit but reliable utility net metering.
US Solar Payback Calculator — 2026
Get an accurate solar payback estimate for your state using NREL solar irradiance, EIA electricity rates, and the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit.
The numbers above are based on state averages. Real quotes vary by roof orientation, shading, panel type, and installer. Compare quotes from 3+ pre-vetted installers in your area — free, no obligation.
Highest electricity rates in the lower 48. NEM 3.0 (since April 2023) cuts export rates ~75%. Battery storage now near-mandatory for payback.
Methodology & sources
Solar irradiance per state: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts PSM3 typical-year data, weighted state average for residential rooftops.
Electricity rates: EIA Form 826 monthly residential rates (most recent September 2025 data).
Federal ITC: 30% through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act (Section 25D).
State incentives: DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) as of April 2026.
Inflation assumptions: 2.5% annual electricity price increase (EIA AEO 2024 reference case), 0.5% annual panel degradation (NREL standard).
Self-consumption assumption: 45% direct self-consumption without battery — typical for residential without storage.
Deep dive — solar in Ohio
Property tax exemption: 100% of added home value from renewable energy systems excluded from assessment (Ohio Rev Code 5713.05).
No state income tax credit for residential solar.
Sales tax: Solar equipment is fully taxed (no exemption) — adds 6.5–8% depending on county.
Major utilities: AEP Ohio (largest), Duke Ohio, FirstEnergy (Toledo Edison + Ohio Edison + Cleveland Public Power), Dayton Power & Light. All participate in retail-rate net metering for residential.
Ohio solar FAQ
Does Ohio have net metering?
Yes — full retail-rate net metering at major investor-owned utilities for residential systems up to 25 kW.
Is there a property tax exemption for solar in Ohio?
Yes — 100% of the added home value from renewable energy systems is excluded from property tax assessment.
Are solar panels sales-tax exempt in Ohio?
No, sales tax of 6.5–8% applies depending on county. This is a notable disadvantage compared to neighboring states.
How much does solar cost in Ohio 2026?
Average $2.70/W installed. An 8 kW system: $21,600 gross, $15,120 after 30% federal ITC. Plus 6.5–8% sales tax.