Home solar in Ohio

Net metering Net metering available

Investor-owned utilities (AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy's Ohio utilities, Duke, AES Ohio) must offer net metering under PUCO rule OAC 4901:1-10-28. Solar power you use at home offsets your full bill; extra power sent to the grid becomes a dollar credit at the energy part of the utility's standard service offer (not delivery) and carries forward on later bills with no cash payout. Systems may be sized up to 120% of your yearly use. If you buy power from a retail supplier, that supplier sets its own terms; co-ops and city utilities are not required to offer net metering. Source

• 2025-11-05: PUCO files its five-year review proposing no change to the net metering rule
• 2026-01 (unverified day): PUCO keeps the rule as is, turning down AEP's request to limit it to standard-service customers

Solar credits (SRECs) Limited

Ohio's solar requirement for utilities was repealed by HB 6 (2019), so there is no in-state demand for SRECs. Home systems can still register and sell RECs, but values are low (a few dollars per 1,000 kWh at most). Source

Taxes

Property tax: Exempt: energy facilities of 250 kW or less built on or after January 1, 2010 are exempt from real property tax (ORC 5709.53(B)); confirm with your county auditor.
Sales tax: None for homes (unverified): Ohio's sales tax exemption for energy conversion equipment requires certification from the tax commissioner and is aimed at businesses. Source

Solar laws

• SB 61 (134th GA), ORC 5312.16 and 5311.192 (2022). If your HOA or condo declaration does not ban solar, you may install it, and the association can only set reasonable rules on size, place and manner. A declaration that specifically bans solar is still allowed. Source
• Net metering rule OAC 4901:1-10-28 (five-year review) (2026). PUCO reviewed the rule and proposed no changes; about 275 public comments backed keeping it. The state business review office cleared it on February 10, 2026. Source
• HB 303 / SB 231, Community Energy Pilot Program (2026). Would create up to 1,500 MW of community solar. Passed the House in November 2025; the Senate version had its first committee hearing in June 2026. Not law as of this update (unverified). Source

Community solar

Not yet: Ohio has no community solar program; a pilot bill (HB 303 / SB 231) is pending in the Senate.

Timeline

1. 2019-07-23 HB 6 signed, ending the solar requirement for utilities
2. 2022-09-13 HOA/condo solar access law (SB 61) takes effect
3. 2025-11 Ohio House passes the Community Energy pilot bill (HB 303)
4. 2025-12-31 Federal 30% homeowner tax credit (25D) ends
5. 2026-01 PUCO keeps net metering rule unchanged (unverified exact date)
6. 2026-02-10 State review office clears the unchanged net metering rule
7. 2026-06-02 Senate committee first hearing on SB 231 community solar (unverified)

Federal tax credits

The 30% federal tax credit for homeowners who buy solar (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, so buying no longer earns a federal credit. If you lease or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), the panels belong to a company that may still claim a business credit under federal deadlines that tighten through 2027. Ask your installer whether that savings is in your price.

Sources

• Ohio CSI memo on net metering rule review (Feb 10, 2026)
• OAC 4901:1-10-28 net metering rule
• ORC 5709.53 property tax exemption
• ORC 5312.16 solar in planned communities
• Solar United Neighbors: Community Energy passes Ohio House

Last checked 2026-11-01. Incentives are not guaranteed and can change or run out. Confirm every figure with your utility, installer and a tax professional before you sign. This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice.

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