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#29 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Ohio (OH)

Ohio averages 1,150 kWh per installed kW per year. At $14.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $3,882.

$13,818
System Cost (After Credits)
$3,882
25-Year NPV
13 years
Payback Period
$0.177/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Ohio

7 kW system (2.82/W)$19,740
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,922
Net Cost$13,818

Solar Production in Ohio

Ohio receives an average of 1,150 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 8,050 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Ohio's average residential rate of $14.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,143. The solar LCOE of $0.177/kWh is -25% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Ohio

1:1 net metering for systems up to 25 kW. Ohio SREC market available.

Solar by Utility in Ohio

AEP Ohio

Avg Rate: $14.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

FirstEnergy Ohio

Avg Rate: $13.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Ohio

How much does solar cost in Ohio?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Ohio costs $19,740 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $13,818.
What is the solar payback period in Ohio?
Based on the average OH utility rate of $14.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,150 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 13 years. The 25-year NPV is $3,882.
Does Ohio have net metering?
1:1 net metering for systems up to 25 kW. Ohio SREC market available.
What is the LCOE of solar in Ohio?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Ohio is approximately $0.177/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $14.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -25% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Ohio?
Ohio receives approximately 1,150 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 8,050 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 77% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Utah

NPV: $5,916 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $11.2¢/kWh · #21 ranked

Iowa

NPV: $9,904 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.8¢/kWh · #22 ranked

Oregon

NPV: $1,513 · Payback: 15yr
Rate: $12.2¢/kWh · #23 ranked

Delaware

NPV: $5,843 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #24 ranked

Minnesota

NPV: $4,341 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #25 ranked

Michigan

NPV: $8,329 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $18.2¢/kWh · #26 ranked

Get Your Ohio Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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