Solar Energy in Columbus, OH: Facts, Statistics, Companies

Solar Energy in Columbus

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

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Going solar in Columbus, OH

In Columbus, an average home needs a 7kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $3.4 in Columbus, a 7kW system can cost around $23,800 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Columbus: $17,000US Average: $18,171
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Columbus: 9 yearsUS Average: 11 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Columbus: $20,558US Average: $14,760

Solar Potential in Columbus

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Columbus.

Roof size 733sq. ft.
Capacity 10.25kW DC
Electricity 11.3kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Columbus

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $807 a year
Est. Price
$10,200
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,093 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $67
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.52 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 116 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,232 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,076 a year
Est. Price
$13,600
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,458 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $90
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.36 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 154 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,310 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,345 a year
Est. Price
$17,000
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,822 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $112
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 193 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,387 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,614 a year
Est. Price
$20,400
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,187 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $135
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 231 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,465 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,883 a year
Est. Price
$23,800
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,551 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $156
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.84 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 268 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,455 mi less a year

Columbus solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Columbus has 15 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

Solar incentives in OH

Advanced Energy Fund

Value:Varies

The Ohio Advanced Energy Fund is the backbone of Ohio's statewide energy efficiency incentive and financing system, though it does not directly service or disburse loans itself. Funding is acquired through utility compliance fees or customer surcharges. From time to time, AEF administrators will announce a request for proposals on new energy projects within different sectors of the Ohioan economy. Grants from the fund may be awarded to winning proposals. Fund-supported programs do not apply to customers of local public utilities or cooperatives.

Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption for Projects 250 kW or Less

Value:Varies

Ohio offers state real and personal property tax exemptions on renewable energy devices. Any system built in/after 2010, rated for under 250 kW, and using solar, wind, biomass, or another renewable technology is considered fully exempt for its entire useful life. System parts, structural components, and equipment used to interconnect the system to a utility grid also qualify. Additional information and application forms are available from the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Energy Loan Fund (ELF)

Value:Varies

The Ohio Energy Loan Fund is administered by the Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency. The ELF is supported by the state Advanced Energy Fund and payments from the state's four private utilities. ELF funds support energy efficiency loans for small commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and public-sector property. Funding is allocated proportionally across each of these economic sectors. The nature of the fund means that customers of local public utilities or cooperatives may not be eligible for financing. Additional information is available through the OEE website.

Energy Loan Fund

Value:Varies

The Ohio Energy Loan Fund is managed by the Department of Development and is supported by the state's Advanced Energy Fund. Loans from the ELF support small businesses (under 500 employees), businesses producing manufactured goods, and public-sector agencies/nonprofits. The available principal for an ELF loan ranges from $250 thousand to $2 million. Qualifying projects should be approved by an energy auditor and cut energy consumption by at least 15%. Additional information, including a directory of loan servicers, is available from the Ohio Development Services Agency website.

Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption for Projects over 250 kW (Payment in Lieu)

Value:Varies

Ohio offers state real and personal property tax exemptions on large renewable energy devices. Any system built in/after 2010, rated for over 250 kW, and using solar, wind, biomass, or another renewable technology is considered fully exempt for its entire useful life. System parts, structural components, and equipment used to interconnect the system to a utility grid also qualify. As conditions for the exemption, the system owner is required to create a minimum amount of jobs and enter REC purchase agreements with utilities. Systems over 2 MW may be subject to additional requirements.

Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program

Value:Varies

The Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Fund supports job creation, manufacturing, and renewable energy research and development in the state. Initial funding for the first three years totaled $150 million from the state's general reserves. Funding is awarded to businesses through special bonds completely exempt from state taxes. A bond's amount is based on the applicant's credit history and the projects which will be funded. Small grants may be awarded to startups investing or researching potential disruptive technologies in the energy sector. Additional information is available from the Department of Development website.

Energy Conversion and Thermal Efficiency Sales Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

In Ohio, sales/use tax exemptions are available for equipment that improves thermal efficiency or converts oil/gas to an alternate sustainable fuel. Equipment used to convert solid waste into fuel may also qualify. To claim the exemption, the facility owner should obtain a certification number through the Ohio Department of Taxation. Additional information is available from the departmental website.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)

Value:Varies

Compliance with solar carve-out provisions of the Ohio Alternative Energy Resource Standard is tracked using a solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) system. An SREC is equivalent to one megawatt hour of electrical capacity. The monetary value of an SREC fluctuates with market forces. Any solar PV, thermal, or HVAC system in Ohio is capable of generating SRECs upon registration with the state Public Utilities Commission. Once registered, utilities may purchase certificates from customers at fair market value to meet their AERS quota. Should a utility fail to meet its SREC quota in a given year, it will pay a "penalty" compliance fee per megawatt hour/certificate it is deficient. Fine revenue supports the Advanced Energy Fund, and it may not be projected onto customers.

Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program

Value:Varies

Through the Ohio state treasury's ECO-Link initiative, homeowners in Ohio may be eligible for special energy improvement loans through a variety of banking partners. Qualifying projects include the full breadth of energy efficiency solutions, including windows, insulation/weatherization, central and room HVAC, water heating, large appliances, solar PV arrays, and wind turbines under 100 kW. Only projects approved by a program auditing representative will be approved for funding. Standard credit checks and prior approval from the customer's bank apply. Additional information is available from the Ohio Treasurer's website.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design in New School Construction

Value:Varies

New public and private school buildings in Ohio are required to meet certain green building standards. Should a school meet these standards, it will receive financial assistance from the Ohio School Facilities Commission. At a minimum, buildings should seek to meet the specialty LEED Gold certification for schools, though existing projects may strive for Silver certification. Later amendments to the standards required schools to be "solar-ready." If a new school does not already have rooftop solar PV panels installed, it should be equipped to accommodate a future PV system. Additional information is available from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission website.

First Energy Ohio - Renewable Energy Credit Procurements

Value:Varies

On occasion, FirstEnergy will seek renewable energy project proposals to fortify its renewable energy credit (REC) purchasing portfolio. The utility is interested in both long and short-term purchase agreements to acquire between 5,000 and 20,000 RECs per year. Facilities should seek certification from the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Additional details on the application process are available from the website.

Green Energy Ohio - GEO Solar Thermal Rebate Program

Value:Varies

Ohio homeowners may be eligible for rebates on new solar water heaters from a Green Energy Ohio/Sierra Club initiative. A customer's expected rebate will be based on their system's expected performance. Current base rates are $30/daily kBtu, with a maximum allowable rebate equal to 20% of project costs. To qualify for the rebate, a customer must seek project preapproval from Green Energy Ohio, obtain engineering surveys, and use a participating contractor. Installation can begin six months from preapproval at the latest. The rebate will be awarded after a successful final inspection from both GEO and the customer's local building department. Additional information is available from the GEO website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

All private/municipal utilities and electrical cooperatives in Ohio are required to offer net metering to their renewable energy customers. Any solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, or landfill gas system qualifies so long as it meets state interconnection standards and its capacity does not exceed customer demands. Net metering participants will have a bidirectional meter installed to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. The utility will issue monthly bill credits for NEG at a fixed avoided-cost rate. Special net metering programs are available for hospitals, who may use conventional or renewable energy technologies.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

In 2014, Ohio's utility regulator made amendments to distributed generation and grid interconnection standards. All new renewable energy devices being connected to the power grid will be sorted into one of three capacity levels governing permit processes, fees, review turnaround time, and required IEEE/UL performance and safety specifications. Utilities may require system owners to install external disconnect switches or carry liability insurance, but they are limited to asking for proof of insurance rather than setting a minimum policy amount. Additional information is available from the Ohio Public Utilities Commission website.

Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Ohio first adopted its mandatory Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard in 2008. All private utilities are required to participate; local public utilities and cooperatives may contribute voluntarily to the standard. Current AEPS goals require at least 25% of the state's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology by 2025. Carve-out policies require a portion of annual RPS quotas to be met using solar energy. Compliance is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) system pegging one megawatt hour to a fluctuating dollar amount. All operational renewable energy systems generate RECs, but utilities may purchase credits from customers using net metering or other power purchase agreements. Credits will expire after five years. Should a utility fail to meet its REC quota, it will be assessed a penalty fine for each megawatt hour it is deficient. Fine revenue goes to the Ohio Advanced Energy Fund.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
  • Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.4 in Columbus. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $34,000 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
  • Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
  • To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
  • Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 35 verified solar install companies in Columbus

Solar installers in Columbus (35)

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise CDP, PA(877) 851-9269

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Appalachian Renewable Power Systems

Stewart CDP, OH(740) 277-8498

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entero Energy

Austin, TX(512) 551-0742

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Generac

Waukesha, WI(888) 436-3722

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

EIS Solar

Pittsburgh, PA(888) 633-6451

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Fluent Solar

Lindon, UT(866) 736-1253

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Ohio Power Solutions

London, OH(740) 908-1040

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Precision Renewables

Snyderville CDP, UT(435) 602-4120

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Icon Solar

Milford, OH(513) 396-7777

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-03-01