Rising electricity costs and frequent utility bill surprises push many families to act. The right time to invest in home solar panels is when your house, your energy use, and your finances line up. At Kokosing Solar, Ohio’s longest-standing full-service solar installer, we help homeowners make clear, confident decisions rooted in experience and facts.

1. Your roof is ready for solar energy

A strong roof and smart layout make solar panel installation smooth and cost-effective. Look for:

• Solid roof structure with 10 to 15 years of useful life remaining
• Sun-facing roof planes with minimal shading
• Room for a properly sized solar array and rooftop panels
• Safe pathways and clearances that meet local codes

As part of your assessment, our team reviews system size, panel layout, and the best location for your solar panel system. We evaluate energy production potential, coordinate with your electric utility on interconnection, and recommend durable solar equipment designed for reliable solar electricity over decades. A good roof and a thoughtful solar panel plan protect your initial investment and support long-term energy independence.

2. Your home gets strong sun exposure for solar power

Consistent sun exposure is key to turning a renewable energy source into dependable savings. South- and west-facing roof planes often deliver strong energy production. Trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings can cast shade that reduces output. Our in-house designers model your site conditions so the solar system you choose performs as expected.

How do I check my roof’s sun exposure and potential solar power?

Start with a simple visual scan at different times of day to note shade patterns. Then explore free resources from the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for regional solar maps in the United States. A site visit confirms details like roof pitch, obstacles, and how much power your roof can support.

We also align the plan with net metering policies and your electric utility’s interconnection requirements. Good sun plus a clean layout equals predictable energy production and a smoother solar installation experience.

3. Your energy use supports a right-sized solar panel system

Your monthly electric bill contains the data we need. Gather 12 months of electricity bills to build your own database of usage. This helps size the solar energy system and identify energy efficiency upgrades that reduce energy costs before you invest.

Show the math:

• Tally annual kilowatt-hour usage from electricity bills
• Note seasonal swings and any expected changes
• Consider future loads like EVs and heat pumps
• Map usage to a proposed system size and rating system

This simple approach lets us compare electricity rates from your utility company against expected solar electricity. It also clarifies if battery storage or a solar battery makes sense for backup power during power outages. Efficient homes require fewer panels and return value faster.

4. Your financing options and available incentives line up

A clear plan for upfront costs is a strong sign you are ready. Homeowners often combine the federal solar tax credit with a solar loan or a cash purchase to balance the initial investment and monthly cash flow. In some parts of the United States, a power purchase agreement may be an option. Check current tax credits and available incentives with your tax professional.

Key items to review:

• Federal tax credit and state or local programs
• Average cost of equipment and labor in your area
• Financing options that fit your goals and risk tolerance
• Utility company interconnection steps and any small fee that may apply
• How net metering credits excess energy to lower future energy bills

When you understand the cost of electricity over time, solar changes the math completely. You replace rising electricity rates with a stable payment on a solar loan or a one-time investment that returns value for decades. That stability protects your budget from the cost of electricity volatility.

5. You want energy independence and reliable backup power

Many homeowners pursue renewable energy for environmental benefits. Others prioritize resilience and savings. Both goals align with clean energy. Solar paired with energy storage gives you backup power when the grid goes down, and net metering can reduce utility bills when the grid is up. This combination lowers your carbon footprint, cuts greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, and strengthens your home’s value story.

Consider how solar can support:

• Lower electricity costs with long-term savings
• Reduced environmental impact and community air quality
• Seamless backup power for essential loads
• Flexible battery storage settings that match your needs

A well-planned system can also support property value and overall home value. Buyers increasingly recognize the value of your home includes durable upgrades that lower energy bills. While markets vary, many agents note solar as a desirable feature that supports a home’s value proposition.

What net metering details should you confirm with your electric utility?

Ask how credits are calculated, what happens with excess energy each month, and if there are annual true-ups. Clarify any application steps, timing, and interconnection requirements. Understanding net metering policies upfront prevents surprises and keeps your project on schedule.

Why Kokosing Solar

Kokosing Solar brings 25+ years of solar expertise and 74 years of construction know-how to every project. We stand behind our work with in-house design, NABCEP-certified solar installers, and long-term service. As a member of the Amicus Solar Cooperative, we combine small-business values with national-level purchasing power. That means quality solar equipment, a proven solar panel installation process, and a partner you can call for years to come.

Transparency guides our process. We prefer primary sources like the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for policy and technology updates. We also follow clear editorial guidelines for our educational content, so homeowners can make decisions with confidence. During your assessment, we review system size, rooftop layout, financing options, and interconnection details. You leave with a written plan to power your home with renewable energy.

Quick checklist: Are you ready for home solar panels?

• Roof in good condition with room for a properly sized solar array
• Strong sun exposure with minimal shading
• Stable energy use based on the monthly electric bill
• Clear plan for financing, incentives, and interconnection
• Interest in backup power, energy storage, and energy independence

Ready to save money and power your home with clean, renewable solar power? Schedule a free assessment. We will review electricity bills, confirm site conditions, and design a solar energy system that fits your goals. 

Understanding Solar Payback: Why Going Solar is Still a Smart Investment in 2026 and Beyond 

When homeowners start exploring solar energy, one of the first questions we hear is: 

 “What’s the payback period?” 

It’s a great question—but it’s only part of the story. At Kokosing Solar, we believe in taking a holistic approach to evaluating the value of solar. Beyond payback, solar offers benefits like increased home resale value, energy independence, and long-term reliability. Still, we understand why payback is top of mind, so let’s break it down. 

What is Solar Payback? 

Your solar payback period is the amount of time it takes for your savings on electric bills to equal the cost of your solar energy system. In other words, when you “break even” on your investment. After that point, the electricity your system produces is essentially free—while utility rates keep climbing. 

Why Solar is Still a Strong Investment in 2026 

You may have heard that the federal tax credit for solar has expired. While that’s true, the economics of solar remains incredibly strong—and in many cases, better than ever. Here’s why: 

• Solar costs have dropped 75% over the last decade. 

• Electricity rates are rising faster than ever, driven by aging infrastructure, storm damage, and volatile fuel prices. 

• When you go solar, you lock in a fixed electricity rate for decades. Instead of paying your utility more every year, you pre-buy clean energy at a predictable cost. 

The longer you use solar, the cheaper each kilowatt-hour becomes. That’s a level of financial stability utilities simply can’t offer. 

 

The Economics of Solar Today 

For homeowners, this means solar is not just an environmentally responsible choice—it’s a smart financial decision. Let’s look at a real-world example. 

Real-World Examples from Kokosing Solar Customers 

(These examples are based on conservative projections for utility rate increases and panel performance.) 

Example: High-Usage Family in Ohio 

• Current electric bill: $450/month at $0.24/kWh. 

• Projected 25-year cost without solar: $257,500. 

• Solar system cost: $42,000. 

• Offset: 65% of home’s electric load. 

• Payback period: 10 years. 

• Total savings over 25 years: $116,000. 

Even with partial offset, this family locks in a much lower effective rate—about $0.10/kWh—less than half of today’s utility rate. 

Why Payback is Only Part of the Story 

Solar delivers more than just financial returns: 

• Higher home resale value. 

• Energy independence and reliability. 

When you invest in solar, you’re investing in stability, sustainability, and long-term savings. 

Take Control of Your Energy Future 

Electricity rates aren’t slowing down—but you can. Lock in your solar rate today and enjoy decades of predictable, clean energy. 

Ready to see your numbers? 

 Contact Kokosing Solar for a free custom proposal. 

 

 

Solar Leases in Ohio: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Signing

Ohio is quickly emerging as one of the hottest markets for residential solar. Rising electricity prices and still-available incentives (through a lease model) are driving interest, and many homeowners are hearing about solar leases as a way to go solar with little or no upfront cost.  

But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand what solar leases are, their benefits, their drawbacks, and the risks of working with national companies that may not have long-term roots in the state. 

What Is a Solar Lease? 

A solar lease is a financing arrangement where a third-party company installs and owns the solar panels on your roof.  

Instead of paying for the system outright, you agree to pay a fixed monthly fee (or a rate based on energy production, called a Power Purchase Agreement or PPA) for 20–25 years. 

 The leasing company claims the federal tax credit and other incentives, and in theory, passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments. 

Why Are Solar Leases Gaining Popularity in Ohio? 

• Federal Incentives for Leasing Companies: While the homeowner tax credit (25D) ends in 2025, third-party-owned projects still qualify for the 48E ITC until at least 2027. Because they can take advantage of the tax credits, leasing companies are rushing to capitalize on this. 

• Low Upfront Cost: Because leasing companies can capitalize on tax credits still available for “commercial” entities, in theory they can pass these savings down to you. 

The Pros of Solar Leases 

• No Upfront Cost: You can start saving on electricity without paying upfront. 

• Maintenance Included: Most leases include operations and maintenance (O&M), so if something breaks, the leasing company handles repairs. 

• Production Guarantees: Many companies promise a certain level of energy production and offer bill credits if the system underperforms. 

The Cons of Solar Leases 

• You Don’t Own the System: This means you don’t get any increase in home value from owning solar. 

• Long-Term Contracts: Most leases lock you in for 20–25 years, which can complicate selling your home. 

• Limited Flexibility: You can’t easily upgrade or modify the system since you don’t own it. 

 

What to Watch Out For in Ohio 

• National Companies Chasing Incentives: Many large solar companies are entering Ohio to take advantage of the remaining tax credits. History shows that when incentives dry up, these companies often leave, leaving homeowners with service headaches. 

• Quality Control Issues: Leasing companies own the system, so they set strict installation standards. Make sure your installer is certified and reputable. 

• Exit Clauses: Understand what happens if you move or want to buy out the lease early. These terms vary widely and can be costly. 

 

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Solar Lease 

1. What is the annual payment escalation rate? 
2. Who handles maintenance and monitoring? 
3. What happens if I sell my home? 
4. Is there a buyout option, and what does it cost? And, when does it become available to me? 
5. How long has the company been in business, and do they have a local presence? 

 

Bottom Line 

Solar leases can make sense for some Ohio homeowners, especially those who want solar without upfront costs. But they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before signing, weigh the pros and cons carefully, and make sure you’re working with a company that will be around for the long haul—not just until the incentives run out.