Federal solar credit ended Dec 31, 2025
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Net metering · Ohio

Ohio Net Metering and Solar Export Credits

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Updated Data verified Nov 5, 2026

Net billing (exports credited below retail). PUCO rule OAC 4901:1-10-28 requires utilities to offer a net metering tariff; when a customer exports more than it uses over a monthly billing cycle, the excess becomes a dollar credit at only the energy component of the utility's standard service offer, carried forward on future bills with no required cash payout. In Feb 2026 the PUCO's five-year review kept the rule unchanged despite AEP's request to change it.

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What AEP Ohio pays for exported solar

For a new rooftop system, AEP Ohio credits exported energy at about 7.51¢ per kWh[1], against an average Ohio residential price of 18.81¢[2]. Exports first offset what you use over each month at the retail rate; this rate applies only to the surplus left over.

Other Ohio utilities, co-ops and municipal utilities set their own rates; check your utility's current tariff.

State rules that apply

  • What the rule says: “over a monthly billing cycle, the excess electricity shall be converted to a monetary credit at the energy component of the electric utility's standard service offer”[3]

What it means for sizing and batteries

When exports earn much less than retail, each kWh you use at home as it is produced is worth more than one you export. Size to your daytime and evening use, shift loads (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) to sunny hours or the plan's off-peak window, and price a battery against the gap between the retail and export rates.

The calculator uses the statewide rule until we add utility rates. See what solar costs in Ohio.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Ohio have net metering?

PUCO rule OAC 4901:1-10-28 requires utilities to offer a net metering tariff; when a customer exports more than it uses over a monthly billing cycle, the excess becomes a dollar credit at only the energy component of the utility's standard service offer, carried forward on future bills with no required cash payout. In Feb 2026 the PUCO's five-year review kept the rule unchanged despite AEP's request to change it.

sources

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Every number on this page links to one of these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one.

  1. AEP Ohio Tariff Book (September 2026), Generation Energy Rider Sheet 450-1 and Net Energy Metering Serviceaepohio.com · checked Nov 5, 2026
  2. EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B: Average price of electricity by state, year-to-date (August 2026, preliminary)eia.gov · checked Nov 5, 2026
  3. Ohio Admin. Code 4901:1-10-28 Net metering (paragraph (B)(8)(c), effective 4/8/2024) - LII mirror of the Ohio Administrative Codelaw.cornell.edu · checked Nov 5, 2026

Tariffs last re-checked November 5, 2026.