Net Metering in Ohio
Ohio requires investor-owned electric utilities to offer net metering to residential solar customers. Here's how the program works and what to expect from your utility.
Get Your Free QuoteHow Net Metering Works in Ohio
Solar Energy Production
Your solar panels generate electricity during the day. Your home uses this power first, and any energy you need beyond what the panels produce is drawn from the grid as usual.
Surplus Energy Export
When your panels generate more electricity than your home consumes, the excess is exported to the utility grid. Your bi-directional meter measures this surplus accurately.
Credit on Your Bill
Ohio utilities credit you for each kilowatt-hour of excess energy sent to the grid. These credits offset the electricity you draw from the grid when your panels are not producing enough, such as at night or during cloudy weather.
End-of-Year Settlement
At the end of your annual billing cycle, any remaining excess credits get settled at the utility's avoided-cost rate. That rate is lower than the full retail rate, so sizing your system to match your annual usage is important.
Utilities Offering Net Metering
AEP Ohio
Central and southern Ohio, including Columbus
Ohio Edison
Northeast and central Ohio, including Akron and Youngstown
The Illuminating Company (CEI)
Greater Cleveland metropolitan area
Toledo Edison
Northwest Ohio, including Toledo
Duke Energy Ohio
Southwest Ohio, including Cincinnati
Dayton Power and Light
West-central Ohio, including Dayton
Ohio Net Metering at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Requirement | Required for investor-owned utilities |
| System Size Limit | No specific statewide cap for residential |
| Credit Rate | Varies by utility; generation portion at retail rate |
| Annual True-Up | Excess credited at avoided-cost rate |
| Property Tax | 100% exemption for solar value |
| Sales Tax | Standard Ohio sales tax applies to cash purchases |
Important Considerations
- Net metering policies can change as state regulations are updated. We keep our proposals aligned with the latest rules.
- Municipal and cooperative utilities in Ohio are not required to offer net metering, though some do voluntarily.
- Excess credits at year-end are typically valued at avoided cost, which is lower than the retail rate. System sizing matters.
- Ohio's property tax exemption means your home value can increase from solar without raising your property taxes.
- Your free quote from Lifestyle Solar includes a detailed analysis of how net metering applies to your specific utility and usage.
Ohio Net Metering at a Glance
Common Questions
See How Net Metering Works for Your Ohio Home
Get a free quote that shows exactly how net metering credits will apply to your utility bill.