Is solar worth it in 45231 (Cincinnati, OH)?

With an average payback period of 12.1 years and 25-year savings of $28,575, solar panels in Cincinnati, Ohio can be worthwhile with available incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in 45231?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Cincinnati, Ohio is $13,800 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $9,660.

How much solar electricity does 45231 get?

Cincinnati receives 4.53 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 45231 produces approximately 7,937 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 45231

Cincinnati, Ohio — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

2.1x ROI Score

12.1 yrs Payback Period

$1,143/yr Annual Savings

$28,575 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,143

Payback 12.1 yrs

25-yr savings $28,575

Solar Calculator for 45231 (Cincinnati)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Cincinnati, Ohio.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

4.53 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Cincinnati, OH

ROI Score 2.1x

Annual Production 7,937 kWh

Annual Savings $1,143

Payback Period 12.1 years

25-Year Savings $28,575

After 30% ITC $9,660

Solar Data for 45231 – Cincinnati, OH

Solar Irradiance 4.53 kWh/m²/day -8.7% vs national avg

vs Ohio Avg +0.9% State avg: 4.54 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.144/kWh Ohio average rate

Annual Production 7,937 kWh 6kW system estimate

Cincinnati's 4.53 kWh/m²/day is 8.7% below the national average. At $0.144/kWh, the 12.1-year payback is moderate. Tax credits and incentives can shorten it meaningfully.

Solar Incentives for Cincinnati, Ohio

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $13,800 system, that's $4,140 back.

★

Net Metering

Most Ohio utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

★

Ohio State Programs

Check with the Ohio energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Cincinnati.

45231 vs Ohio Average

Solar Irradiance

45231: 4.53 OH avg: 4.54

Payback Period

45231: 12.1 yrs OH avg: 12.4 yrs

Annual Savings

45231: $1,143 OH avg: $1,115

25-Year Savings

45231: $28,575 OH avg: $27,875

See the full Ohio solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

45211 Cincinnati, OH 2.1x ROI 12.1 yr payback 45201 Cincinnati, OH 2.1x ROI 12.1 yr payback 45431 Dayton, OH 2.1x ROI 12.2 yr payback 47374 Richmond, IN 2.0x ROI 12.6 yr payback 40505 Lexington, KY 1.8x ROI 13.6 yr payback