Ohio solar panels: The complete guide in 2026
Data updated Jan 23, 2026
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 13.62 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Ohio, which will cost you about $37,960.
Cost for an average system in Ohio
| Cash price | $37,960 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $46,723 | 13 Years | 88% |
Some states, towns, and utility companies offer incentives that can help lower the cost of solar.
Find out how much solar costs in your area
Compare multiple offers and save up to 20%
Going solar in Ohio
Ohio’s solid net metering and SREC programs make solar panels a good investment for pretty much anyone.
Factor in local incentives, 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 13.62 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $37,960 before incentives. Prices range from $32,266 to $43,654, but Ohio also has some great local incentives.
While this may sound high, it will pay off in Ohio. That's why over 35,000 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 12.91 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it up front. This provides the best long-term savings.
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). These typically deliver immediate savings and can make a lot of sense if you’re looking to keep your capital flexible. Just make sure to choose an offering with low annual escalators to ensure it will continue to provide long-term savings.
Solar loan: This allows you to retain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal. If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
)
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 |
|---|---|---|
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:
)
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.
Real homes. Real savings.
Helping customers make informed decisions since 2009.
Learn more about solar
Explore heat pumps, the latest in clean heating & cooling technology.
