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Rooftop solar in Ohio: net metering, ITC, and the new tariff

Solar + renewables

AEP Ohio still offers 1 to 1 net metering. The 30 percent federal ITC stacks. Average 6.5 kW system pays back in 8.4 years. The 2026 Ohio install playbook.

Featured infographic

Ohio rooftop solar payback flow

Solar install $19,500 → 30 percent ITC $5,850 → net $13,650 → 1:1 net metering credits → payback 8 to 9 years.

Open graph image · /og/net-metering-flow.png

Ohio still offers 1 to 1 net metering for residential solar through 2026. Exported kWh credits at the full retail supply rate. The 30 percent federal ITC plus 1 to 1 net metering keeps Ohio residential solar payback at 8 to 9 years for a typical 6.5 kW system. AEP Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, and FirstEnergy all support residential solar interconnection.

1 to 1 net metering in Ohio

Ohio AEP, Duke, FirstEnergy all credit exported kWh at the full retail supply rate. The credit applies to the same monthly bill cycle.

Excess generation rolls forward to subsequent months. Annual true-up zeroes the credit at the end of the contract year.

Install cost + payback math

A typical Ohio 6.5 kW system installs for $19,500 to $21,500. Net of 30 percent ITC: $13,650 to $15,050 out of pocket.

Annual savings on a typical Ohio bill: $1,400 to $1,800 in supply portion. Payback 8 to 9 years; system lifespan 25+ years.

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Common questions

Quick answers from the editorial desk

Does HOA approval matter?
Ohio passed solar-access protections that limit HOA restrictions. Most installs proceed without HOA approval, but check your community covenants.
What about shade impact?
A solar shade analysis is standard part of any quote. Shade reduces output 5 to 20 percent depending on angle and duration.
Is a battery worth it in Ohio?
With 1:1 net metering, marginally. Battery payback runs 12 to 16 years vs 8 to 9 for solar alone. Worth it only for outage backup, not pure energy savings.
Does Ohio have an SREC market?
No active residential SREC market. Compliance market exists but residential systems too small to participate. Other states offer SREC value.

Further reading

Pillar guide, cluster siblings, and state pages cited above

Sources

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