Solar Guide
In This Guide
Solar in Akron
Akron homeowners are discovering solar energy as a smart solution to rising electricity costs. With Ohio electricity prices jumping 31% from 2020 to 2024, many residents are exploring how solar panels for home use can provide long-term savings.
Understanding your solar options doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down everything Akron residents need to know about solar installation.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio ranks 6th nationally for residential solar with over 159,000 homes already enjoying clean energy benefits.
- Akron homeowners save approximately $59,000 over 25 years with solar panels after federal tax credits.
- Solar makes financial sense in Akron with 8.8-year payback periods and protection from rising electricity rates.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Akron neighborhoods like Highland Square, Wallhaven, and Goodyear Heights. Get accurate pricing estimates based on actual local projects, not generic estimates from other states.
System
Cost
Savings
Akron Electricity Prices
Understanding Akron’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed energy decisions for their families and budgets.
Ohio electricity rates have steadily climbed from 12.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 16.1 cents in 2024, representing a 26% increase over three years.
While Ohio rates remain slightly below the national average, solar panels can help homeowners generate their own electricity and reduce monthly utility bills.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide predictable energy costs, protecting Akron families from future utility rate increases while supporting clean energy goals.
Price of Energy: Ohio vs National Average
Akron Area Utility Providers
Akron residents served by FirstEnergy pay approximately 14.4-14.6¢ per kWh for electricity based on 2023 data, below both Ohio’s 15.40¢ average and the national 16.0¢ average.
FirstEnergy’s competitive rates stem from Ohio’s diverse energy mix and regulated utility structure, helping keep residential electricity costs lower than typical Midwest markets.
Even with below-average rates, solar can provide additional savings and energy independence, especially as utility costs continue rising over time in response to infrastructure investments.
Akron Utilities Electricity Rates
Ohio Solar Incentives
Akron homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through available solar incentives in Ohio and federal programs.
These incentives include property tax exemptions that save hundreds annually, net metering programs that credit excess energy production, and renewable energy certificates for additional income.
Research current incentive availability thoroughly, as programs can change or expire, affecting your solar investment timeline and savings.
$7,014
Average savings in Ohio solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | No property tax on added home value from systems =250kW. Saves ~$300-500 annually on $15k system value at 2-3% tax rate. | Learn More |
| Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | State program | Small additional income from selling certificates. 7kW system earns ~$20-40/year at current prices. Requires PUCO certification. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Ohio’s Property Tax Exemption allows homeowners to avoid paying property taxes on the added value that solar, wind, or hydrothermal energy systems bring to their home. When you install a renewable energy system, it typically increases your property’s assessed value, but this state tax exemption ensures you won’t pay higher property taxes because of that increase.
To qualify for this exemption, your energy system must have a nameplate capacity of 250 kilowatts or less, and construction or installation must be completed on or after January 1, 2010. The financial benefit varies based on your local property tax rate and the value of your installed system, but it can save homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars annually in property taxes. This exemption continues for as long as you own the system, making it a valuable long-term benefit that helps offset the initial investment in renewable energy.
It’s important to note that while this exemption protects you from increased property taxes due to your renewable energy system, you’ll still need to work with your local tax assessor to ensure the exemption is properly applied to your property tax bill.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are tradeable credits that Ohio solar system owners earn for the clean electricity their panels produce. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy your system generates, you earn one SREC that can be sold to utility companies who need these credits to meet state renewable energy requirements.
The financial value of SRECs varies based on market demand, but they typically sell for $10-50 each in Ohio’s market. A typical home solar system might generate 10-15 SRECs per year, providing an ongoing income stream that helps offset your solar investment costs. You can sell your SRECs through online marketplaces or aggregators who handle the transactions for you.
To participate, you need a solar system that’s connected to the grid and registered with Ohio’s renewable energy tracking system. Your system must be located in Ohio and meet basic technical requirements. There’s no specific deadline to join the program, but you should register your system soon after installation to start earning credits. Keep in mind that SREC prices fluctuate with market conditions, so the income isn’t guaranteed to remain at any specific level over time.
Net metering in Ohio allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for the excess electricity their system produces and sends back to the power grid. When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home uses during the day, that extra power flows to the grid and you receive a credit on your electric bill. At night or during cloudy days when your panels aren’t producing enough power, you can use these credits to offset the electricity you draw from the grid.
The financial benefit varies by utility company but works on a monthly basis across all major Ohio utilities including AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy companies, and AES Ohio. Each month, your solar production is credited against your electricity consumption on a 1:1 basis, meaning you receive full retail value for the power you export. Any excess credits beyond your monthly usage are carried forward to the next month, but these surplus credits are valued at the lower generation rate, which typically ranges from 5-12 cents per kWh depending on your utility company. This rate is significantly lower than the retail electricity rate you normally pay, so maximizing your monthly usage of solar credits provides the best financial return.
All major Ohio utilities offer this monthly net metering program, and homeowners with solar installations are generally eligible to participate. There are no specific deadlines mentioned for enrollment, as this is an ongoing utility program. However, it’s important to understand that Ohio uses monthly settlement rather than annual settlement, meaning unused credits don’t roll over indefinitely at full value – they’re settled monthly at the lower generation rate, making proper system sizing crucial for maximizing your savings.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Ohio incentives.
Get a Free QuoteAkron Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Akron’s variable cloud cover and seasonal sunlight changes affect solar output throughout the year. However, modern panels efficiently capture available light, making solar viable here.
Solar Production in Akron by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Akron
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to show you something exciting: your Akron neighbors are embracing clean energy! Click any hexagon to see how many homes in that area have made the switch to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
For Akron homeowners, Palmetto offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through all major local utilities including FirstEnergy companies. A PPA lets you benefit from solar power without the upfront investment – you simply pay for the clean energy your panels produce at a set rate per kilowatt-hour.
Unlike purchasing a system outright, a PPA means no maintenance responsibilities, no repair costs, and no large initial payment. Your monthly solar bill varies with production, typically higher in summer when panels generate more electricity. This arrangement often provides immediate savings compared to traditional utility rates while supporting clean energy goals.
Learn more about solar financing options or explore our LightReach program designed specifically for accessible solar adoption.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes financial sense in Akron. With Ohio electricity rates rising 26% since 2021 and the state ranking 6th nationally for residential solar adoption, Akron homeowners can save approximately $59,000 over 25 years.
Solar systems in Akron typically pay for themselves in 8.8 years through monthly utility bill savings, federal tax credits worth 30% of system cost, and Ohio’s property tax exemption that prevents higher taxes on your home’s increased value.
Yes, Akron has net metering through FirstEnergy. The program allows solar homeowners to receive 1:1 credit for excess electricity sent to the grid, offsetting monthly consumption at full retail rates.
Unused monthly credits carry forward at the lower generation rate of approximately 5-12 cents per kWh. This monthly settlement system helps maximize savings when your solar production closely matches your electricity usage.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Akron, OH. Research shows that homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar, according to Zillow’s nationwide study.
In Akron’s housing market, this translates to thousands of dollars in added value. Additionally, Ohio’s property tax exemption ensures you won’t pay higher property taxes on the increased home value from your solar installation, maximizing your financial benefit.
Solar installation costs in Akron range from $11,975 to $21,043 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs. A typical medium-sized home requires an 8.19 kW system costing approximately $16,365 after incentives.
System costs include panels, inverters, installation, permits, and interconnection. With Ohio’s property tax exemption and net metering through FirstEnergy, most Akron homeowners see an 8.8-year payback period and $59,000 in 25-year savings.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Akron. With Ohio electricity rates increasing 26% since 2021 and FirstEnergy rates around 14.4-14.6¢ per kWh, solar provides predictable energy costs and protection from future rate increases.
Akron homeowners typically save $59,000 over 25 years with an 8.8-year payback period. The 30% federal tax credit, Ohio’s property tax exemption, and net metering through FirstEnergy create strong financial returns for solar investments.
Palmetto Solar is a leading choice for Akron homeowners. We’ve completed over 1,335 installations across Ohio since 2020, offering competitive financing options and a trusted local installation network.
Our national expertise combined with local focus helps Akron residents navigate Ohio’s solar incentives, net metering programs, and property tax exemptions while providing quality installations backed by comprehensive warranties.