Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Ohio!
Welcome to Ohio, a state known for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scenes, and increasingly, its dedication to renewable energy. Ohio?s solar energy sector is on the rise, driven by its favorable geographic location that receives a significant amount of sunlight year-round. With a mix of state incentives, tax credits, and a growing interest in sustainability among its population, Ohio presents an attractive landscape for solar energy investments. Homeowners and businesses are finding solar power to be an increasingly viable option to reduce electricity costs and carbon footprints. Learn how converting to solar can brighten your home, lower energy expenses, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Ohio. Join us in harnessing the power of the sun and stepping into a brighter future in the Buckeye State.
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Ohio State Solar Incentives
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)
House Bill 6 revised compliance goals, reducing renewable portfolio requirements and eliminating the solar carve-out in Ohio's AEPS. A Renewable Generation Fund was created, later limited to solar.
Energy Loan Fund
Energy Loan Fund offers low-cost financing for energy efficiency projects to Ohio businesses. Applications for 2023 accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
First Energy Ohio - Renewable Energy Credit Procurements
FirstEnergy is soliciting proposals for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Check the program website for updates.
Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption for Projects over 250 kW (Payment in Lieu)
Ohio's Qualified Energy Project Tax Exemption offers tax relief for renewable energy projects. Owners or lessees must apply by December 31, 2024 to benefit.
Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption for Projects 250 kW or Less
Ohio's Renewable and Advanced Energy Project offers tax exemptions to qualified energy projects. Applications for sale-leaseback transactions must be submitted by December 31, 2024.
Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program
Ohio's ECO-Link program offers homeowners reduced rate financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy home upgrades, including a 3% loan rate reduction.
Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts
The PACE (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) financing in Ohio allows property owners to borrow money for energy improvements. Local governments control the creation and provisions of these programs. Not all areas in Ohio offer PACE financing.
Green Energy Ohio - GEO Solar Thermal Rebate Program
Green Energy Ohio, with funding from The Sierra Club, offers rebates for solar water heating systems, aiming to boost green energy adoption.
Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program
The Hamilton County Home Improvement Program offers loans for home or rental property repairs at interest rates 3% below bank rates.
Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program
The Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Fund, managed by the Ohio Development Services Agency, awards funds to energy projects to attract investment and advance energy tech in Ohio.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design in New School Construction
The Ohio School Facilities Commission mandates new school constructions to aim for LEED for Schools Silver or Gold certification, emphasizing eco-friendly design and solar-readiness.
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard
Ohio's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard mandates renewable energy generation for electric utilities, with a reduced target of 8.5% by 2026. The solar carve out was eliminated in 2019.
City of Cincinnati - Property Tax Abatement for Green Buildings
Cincinnati offers property tax abatements for LEED-certified buildings, with varying terms and conditions based on the building type and certification level.
Advanced Energy Fund
The Advanced Energy Fund, administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency, supports energy efficiency projects but is not actively lending currently.
Interconnection Standards
PUCO adopted amended rules for electric generator interconnection in Ohio, with three levels of review for systems up to 20MW in capacity.
Energy Loan Fund (ELF)
The Energy Loan Fund provides low-interest financing for energy efficiency improvements in Ohio. With $9.5 million available annually, it benefits small businesses, nonprofits, and public entities.
Air-Quality Improvement Tax Incentives
OAQDA provides financial assistance for air quality projects in Ohio, offering tax exemptions and financing for projects that reduce air pollution and use renewable resources.
Energy Conversion and Thermal Efficiency Sales Tax Exemption
Ohio may offer tax exemptions for facilities that convert energy or improve thermal efficiency, pending approval from the Department of Taxation.
Net Metering
Ohio's net-metering law encourages renewable energy use, allowing customers to generate their own electricity with options such as solar or wind energy. The law includes safety standards and capacity limits.
Ohio Solar Easement and Access Laws
Ohio law permits property owners to create solar easements for sunlight access, subject to certain rules. Recent legislation restricts HOAs' ability to ban solar panels.
Federal Solar Incentives
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.
