Columbus, OH Solar Panels
Solar Power in Columbus
Ohio electricity prices have risen 31% since 2020 — and Columbus homeowners are paying attention. If you’ve been curious about solar panels in Columbus, this guide is here to help you understand how the process works, what it costs, and what to realistically expect.
We’ll walk you through solar installation in Columbus, OH from start to finish — covering the process, local considerations, and long-term outcomes. Home solar panels are one of the most practical ways Columbus homeowners can take control of their energy costs.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Columbus, OH?
This calculator uses real installation data from Columbus and surrounding areas — including Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, and Gahanna — to give you an accurate estimate of what solar panels might cost for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Ohio electricity prices have risen over 25% since 2021 — Columbus homeowners with solar can protect themselves from future rate increases by generating their own power.
- A typical Columbus home can save around $63,000 over 25 years with solar, and leasing options are available starting as low as $99/month with no upfront cost.
- Ohio exempts solar systems from property tax increases, meaning your home’s value can rise after installation without raising your tax bill.
Columbus Electricity Prices
Electricity in Columbus keeps getting more expensive. Here’s what the numbers show — and what some homeowners are doing about it.
Ohio’s average electricity rate rose from 12.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 16.1 cents in 2024 — an increase of more than 25%. For a typical Columbus household, that adds up to hundreds of extra dollars each year.
Solar panels let Columbus homeowners generate their own electricity directly from the sun. That means less reliance on the grid and more protection against rate increases that are largely outside your control.
Home solar systems are built to last 25 years or more. Over that time, producing your own power can meaningfully offset what you’d otherwise pay your utility — especially as grid rates continue to climb.
Price of Energy: Ohio vs National Average
Columbus Area Utility Providers
Columbus, OH is served primarily by two electric utilities: AEP Ohio and South Central Power. Based on 2023 data — the most recently available — their rates differ notably, and both compare differently to state and national benchmarks.
In 2023, AEP Ohio customers paid 18.6¢ per kWh, above both the Ohio state average of 15.40¢ and the national average of 16.0¢. South Central Power came in lower at 14.2¢ per kWh, below both averages.
Where your utility rate lands matters for solar. Customers on higher-rate plans like AEP Ohio tend to see greater monthly savings by generating their own electricity — making understanding your current rate a smart first step.
Columbus Utilities Electricity Rates
Ohio Solar Incentives
Columbus homeowners can access several solar incentives in Ohio that help reduce the overall cost of going solar — from statewide property tax exemptions to federal battery storage credits.
Ohio exempts residential solar systems from property tax increases, meaning your home’s value can rise without raising your tax bill. Programs like Solar for All also provide grants and low-cost financing for qualifying households across Ohio.
The federal residential solar tax credit landscape has recently shifted, but Ohio state incentives remain. Those exploring a solar lease through Palmetto’s LightReach program benefit as Palmetto handles the commercial tax credit and passes savings through lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Property Tax Exemption for Solar (≤250 kW) | Property Tax Exemption | Ohio exempts residential and small commercial solar energy systems of 250 kW or less from real property taxes and public utility tangible personal property taxes, so your home’s assessed value does not increase due to your solar installation. | Learn More |
| Ohio PACE Financing (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) | Rebate | Ohio’s PACE program connects commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and multi-family property owners with fixed-rate financing covering 100% of upfront solar installation costs, repaid through property assessments over 15 to 25 years. | |
| Solar for All – Ohio (EPA / Ohio Air Quality Development Authority) | Rebate | A $156 million federal program administered by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority provides grants and low-cost financing for solar installations serving low- and moderate-income households across Ohio. | Learn More |
| Federal Battery Storage Tax Credit (Residential Clean Energy Credit – Section 25D) | Tax Credit | A 30% federal tax credit is available for qualifying home battery storage systems with a capacity of at least 3 kWh installed by December 31, 2025; eligibility for 2026 installations is uncertain and should be confirmed with a tax professional. | Learn More |
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 5727.76, solar energy systems with an aggregate nameplate capacity of 250 kW or less are fully exempt from real property taxation and public utility tangible personal property taxes, provided the system was constructed or installed on or after January 1, 2010. This means that even though adding solar panels typically increases your home’s market value, that added value will not raise your property tax bill.
The exemption is administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency in coordination with local county commissioners and county auditors. Because implementation can vary by county, it is important for residents of Columbus to contact the Franklin County Auditor’s office directly to confirm how the exemption is applied in your area and to ensure your system is properly registered for the benefit.
This incentive is available statewide and applies automatically to qualifying systems, but proactive communication with your county auditor is recommended to avoid any inadvertent tax increases on your property assessment after installation.
Ohio’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is a financing mechanism that allows commercial, retail, industrial, nonprofit, and multi-family property owners to cover 100% of the upfront costs of solar energy installations with no out-of-pocket expense at the time of installation. The program is administered in collaboration with local governments, which connect property owners with approved capital providers and contractors.
PACE loans feature fixed interest rates and repayment terms of 15 to 25 years. Repayment is structured as a special assessment on the property, meaning payments are made alongside property tax bills. Because the financing is tied to the property rather than the borrower, it can be an attractive option for property owners who may not qualify for traditional financing or who prefer to preserve their credit lines.
Note that Ohio’s PACE program is primarily designed for commercial and non-residential properties. Residential homeowners in Columbus should explore the ECO-Link program as an alternative financing option. For more information on Ohio PACE, contact your local government or visit the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission website.
The Solar for All program is a federal initiative funded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and administered nationally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In Ohio, the program is being implemented by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which received a $156 million grant to expand solar access for low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and underserved communities throughout the state.
The program is designed to provide grants and low-cost financing opportunities that make rooftop and community solar installations financially viable for households that might otherwise be unable to afford them. The program is expected to reach several dozen communities across Ohio, and low- and moderate-income homeowners in Columbus may be eligible to benefit.
As of 2026, the program is still being developed and specific application processes are being finalized. Eligible low- and moderate-income Ohio homeowners should monitor the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority’s website at oaqda.ohio.gov and the EPA’s Solar for All page for updates on when and how to apply. Priority will be given to households in designated low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit under IRS Section 25D provides a 30% tax credit on the cost of new battery storage systems with a capacity of at least 3 kWh. This credit applies to both standalone battery systems and batteries installed alongside solar panels. For systems installed and placed in service by December 31, 2025, the 30% credit is clearly available and is claimed by filing IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return.
For battery storage systems installed in 2026 or later, the status of this credit is uncertain following recent legislative changes (the “One Big Beautiful Bill”). The residential solar ITC has been eliminated, and the future of the battery storage credit for new 2026 installations should be confirmed with a qualified tax professional before you rely on it in your financial planning. If you installed a qualifying battery system in 2025, you can still claim the credit when you file your 2025 taxes in 2026.
To claim the credit for an eligible installation, complete IRS Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) and attach it to your federal tax return. The credit is non-refundable, meaning it can reduce your federal tax liability to zero but will not result in a refund. Any unused credit may be carried forward to future tax years. Consult a tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation and for the latest legislative updates.
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 QuoteColumbus 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.
Columbus gets its share of cloudy days, but its seasonal sun patterns still make solar a smart choice. The right system can perform well year-round, even in Ohio’s variable climate.
Solar Production in Columbus 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 Panel Systems in Columbus
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across Columbus to show just how many neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the heatmap below to see solar adoption in your neighborhood and community. Click any hexagon to see how many homes in that area have gone solar!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Ohio, Palmetto offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through its LightReach program. This option is available to Columbus homeowners served by AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, AES Ohio, and other major Ohio utilities. With a PPA, you pay only for the electricity your panels produce — at a set rate per kilowatt-hour — rather than a fixed monthly amount. That means your bill may be a bit higher in sunny summer months and lower in winter, but your annual savings are comparable to a lease.
Compared to buying a system outright, a PPA removes the biggest barriers: no large upfront cost, no loan to manage, and no responsibility for maintenance or repairs. Palmetto owns the system and handles everything — so if something needs attention, it’s on us, not you. That peace of mind is something a cash purchase simply doesn’t include.
Want to understand how a PPA compares to other ways to go solar? Our guide on buying vs. leasing solar walks through the key differences in plain language, so you can make the choice that fits your situation.
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!
Explore LightReach LeasingFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense for many Columbus homeowners. Ohio electricity rates have risen over 25% since 2021, and a typical Columbus home can save around $63,000 over 25 years with solar. Columbus averages 4.6 peak sun hours per day — enough to make solar a practical investment year-round.
For those concerned about upfront costs, Palmetto’s LightReach lease program removes that barrier entirely — you can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments starting as low as $99/month.
Yes, Columbus, OH has net metering. The two primary utilities serving Columbus — AEP Ohio and AEP Ohio (Columbus Southern Power Co.) — both offer monthly net metering. Each month, the excess solar energy you send to the grid is credited against your total consumption on a 1:1 basis.
If your solar panels produce more than you use in a given month, the surplus carries forward to your next bill at the generation rate (approximately 6–11¢/kWh) — not the full retail rate. This makes maximizing your own solar consumption the most effective way to save.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Columbus. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $300,000 Columbus home, that’s roughly $12,300 in added value.
Ohio also offers a property tax exemption for solar systems, meaning your assessed value won’t trigger a higher tax bill after installation — so Columbus homeowners get the benefit of increased home value without the added tax burden.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Columbus homeowners can go solar for as low as $99/month with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns the system and handles all maintenance, making it the most accessible way to go solar today.
If you prefer to own your system outright, a typical Columbus home requires an 8.19 kW system costing around $23,379. Note that the federal 30% residential solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For Columbus homeowners, solar can make strong financial sense — especially with a lease option. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront investment required. Your monthly lease payment is typically lower than your current AEP Ohio or South Central Power bill, meaning you can start saving from day one.
Over time, the numbers grow. A typical Columbus home can save approximately $63,000 over 25 years with solar. With Ohio electricity rates up over 25% since 2021, locking in a predictable monthly payment is a straightforward way to take control of your energy costs.
Palmetto is a top choice for Columbus homeowners considering solar. We’ve completed 1,335 installations across Ohio since 2020, backed by a trusted national install network and some of the most flexible financing options available — including our LightReach lease starting at just $99/month with no upfront cost.
As a national company with a local focus, we understand what Columbus homeowners need. From AEP Ohio customers in Westerville to South Central Power customers in Hilliard, we tailor every system to your home and energy usage.
With Palmetto’s LightReach program, Columbus homeowners can lease solar with no upfront cost. One simple monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. For a typical 8.19 kW system in Columbus, the estimated lease payment is approximately $99/month — often less than your current electricity bill, so savings can start immediately.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — an advantage that cash purchases no longer have following the Big Beautiful Bill.