Plug-In Solar in Ohio — Legislation Pending
Bill: HB 755 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Reps. Rader and Glassburn
Legislative Status: HB 755 introduced. In early committee stages.
Current Status: Introduced · In Committee (2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Ohio?
Ohio has active plug-in solar legislation under HB 755, currently introduced, but it has not been enacted. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 14.6¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $165/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 5¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.1 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PUCO interconnection requirements.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Not specified in bill text |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Utility Approval | Waived |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not explicitly addressed. |
| Key Differences | HB 755 is one of the first plug-in solar bills in the Midwest. Ohio has a deregulated electricity market which could affect how plug-in solar interacts with retail choice. |
| Notable Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits. |
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without AEP Ohio or FirstEnergy approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Ohio utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Ohio SREC market allows solar owners to earn and sell certificates (current market ~$3/MWh; available through January 2028). Net metering available through AEP Ohio and FirstEnergy with credits carried forward continuously. Property tax exemption for renewable energy projects under 250 kW. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Ohio Net Metering — PUCO — Bill credits for excess solar generation; credits carry forward continuously.
- Ohio SREC Program — DSIRE — Earn Solar Renewable Energy Certificates for each MWh of solar generation (available through Jan 2028).
- DSIRE — Ohio Solar Incentives — Full list of Ohio state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 11,883,304 |
| Total Households | 4,863,191 |
| Owner-Occupied | 3,267,646 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,595,545 |
| Single-Family Homes | 3,703,809 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 805,174 |
| Median Household Income | $71,389 |
| Median Home Value | $214,800 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.56 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1050 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May, June, July |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| AEP Ohio | ~1,500,000 customers | Yes |
| FirstEnergy | ~1,000,000+ customers | Yes |
| Duke Energy Ohio | ~700,000 customers | Yes |
| AES Ohio | ~520,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in Ohio
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your OH setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Ohio — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Plug-In Solar Off-Grid: How to Use Solar Without Waiting for Your State — Read the most relevant PlugInSolarUS article for Ohio.
- Follow the national legislation picture — See how pending proposals compare with enacted plug-in solar frameworks in other states.