Solar Panel ROI in Ohio

· Source: NREL PVWatts

Is solar worth it in OH? Here's what the data says.

2.0x ROI Score
12.4 yrs Payback Period
$1,115/yr Annual Savings
$27,875 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill
Annual savings $1,115
·
Payback 12.4 yrs
·
25-yr savings $27,875

25-Year ROI Timeline

With a 12.4-year payback, your system spends 12.6 years in profit after breaking even.

Payback (12.4 yrs)
Profit (12.6 yrs)
Year 0 Year 6 Year 13 Year 19 Year 25
System Cost $13,800
25-Year Savings $27,875
Net Profit $14,075

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Solar Calculator for Ohio

Adjust the values below to see your personalized solar ROI estimate.

kW
$
$ /kWh
4.54 kWh/m²/day
Based on NREL data for Ohio
ROI Score 2.0x
Annual Production 7,740 kWh
Annual Savings $1,115
Payback Period 12.4 years
25-Year Savings $27,875
System Cost $13,800

Ohio vs National Average

Solar Irradiance: Ohio vs National Average Ohio: 4.54 kWh/m²/day National Avg: 5.12 kWh/m²/day
Solar Irradiance 4.54 kWh/m²/day
-11% vs national avg
Payback Period 12.4 years Slower than avg
Electricity Rate $0.144 /kWh Below avg

How We Calculated This

Our solar ROI calculations use data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts API, which models solar energy production based on location-specific solar irradiance, weather patterns, and panel tilt angles. We assume a standard 6kW residential system with south-facing panels at optimal tilt.

Electricity rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Annual savings are calculated by multiplying estimated production by the local electricity rate. The ROI score represents total 25-year savings divided by system cost.

These estimates do not include the federal 30% ITC tax credit, state incentives, SRECs, or utility rebates, which can significantly reduce the effective payback period.

Solar ROI by Zip Code in Ohio

Explore solar data for specific zip codes in Ohio. Click any zip code for a full local breakdown.

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Solar Outlook for Ohio

Ohio receives 4.54 kWh/m²/day — 8.5% below the national average. Lower electricity rates of $0.144/kWh extend the payback to 12.4 years, though the federal 30% ITC and state incentives can meaningfully improve the economics.

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