Net Metering in Ohio (2026)
Ohio uses Net billing. Ohio credits net excess generation at the lower generation-only rate rather than full retail, though an active SREC market helps.
| Policy type | Net billing |
|---|---|
| Export compensation | Below-retail export credit set by tariff |
| Retail electricity rate | ~19¢/kWh |
| Est. annual production per kW | ~1,250 kWh/kW/yr |
Policy status reflects the statewide standard as of 2026. Actual export rates and program caps vary by utility — confirm with your provider.
What this means for your payback
Since Ohio pays less than retail for exports, self-consumption is where the money is. Every kWh you use in your home is worth the full ~19¢/kWh, while exported kWh earn less — so a home battery that shifts midday production into evening use materially improves payback here, unlike in full retail net-metering states.
2026 reality check: the 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. With that gone, net metering policy and any Ohio state incentives are now the main levers on your solar ROI. Run the numbers on your actual utility bill before signing anything.
See full solar costs & payback for Ohio
Solar panel cost in Ohio →Ohio net metering FAQ
Does Ohio have net metering?
Not in the traditional 1:1 sense. Ohio uses net billing, crediting exported solar below the retail rate. Ohio credits net excess generation at the lower generation-only rate rather than full retail, though an active SREC market helps.
What is Ohio's solar export rate?
Below retail. Ohio credits net excess generation at the lower generation-only rate rather than full retail, though an active SREC market helps. As a rule, plan your system around using power on-site rather than banking exports at 19¢/kWh.
Do I need a battery to make solar worth it in Ohio?
A battery helps a lot here. Because Ohio pays less than retail for exports, storing midday solar and using it at night captures far more value than exporting it, shortening payback.
Is solar still worth it in Ohio now that the federal tax credit is gone?
Often, yes. The 30% federal credit for purchased systems ended Dec 31, 2025, so Ohio's net billing plus any state incentives are now the main drivers of payback. At ~19¢/kWh and about 1,250 kWh produced per kW each year, run the numbers on your own bill before deciding.