Solar Power for Homes in Ohio
You’ve got questions about solar power for homes. We’ve got answers. Kokosing Solar is here to make going solar simple and hassle-free.. Here are some basic answers to popular questions to get started. Looking for more detailed information? Every customer is different, and providing detailed answers to any and all of your specific questions is one of the most important parts of our process. Give us a call or contact us to get in touch with a solar expert.
Here are some basic qualifiers for solar — if you answer “yes” to just one or more of these questions, contact us for a free solar consultation!
Solar energy systems have high up-front costs, but once installed, the fuel (the sun) is free forever. This compares with conventional electric energy costs, which have been rising at around 3% per year, however, in 2023 we saw energy prices jump 30% for many Ohioans just in one year.
Plus, the Solar Tax Credit in 2023 allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes.
Put simply: if you spend $25,000 on your solar system, you pay $7,500 less in taxes when you file. If the credit is larger than your tax liability in the first year, the remaining amount can be applied the next year. Generally, all expenses included in the quote you receive from your Solar Consultant can be included in the deduction. There is no cap on the value of the credit, and it is available to both residential and commercial customers.
Going solar is easy. First, schedule a consultation. We make a free analysis of your home to gauge sun exposure, shading, roof conditions, and existing electrical service. We look at a recent utility bill to see how much power you use, and when. We match your available space, electricity needs, and budget to find your solar sweet spot – the best system size for you, with the best payback. You want to make the cleanest power for the least money – and that is what we can do for you.
For safety purposes, grid-interactive solar systems are designed to immediately disconnect and shut off if a utility grid failure is sensed. The system will automatically restart a few minutes after grid power is restored. As a result, no power will be available from the solar panels during utility outages. This protects utility workers who may be out working on power lines.
Solar energy systems can provide around-the-clock, independent backup power during utility outages if they are connected to an appropriately-sized battery bank to absorb and store the energy they produce. Natural gas and propane generators are other options for backup power. We have installed solar panels and a generator on numerous jobs when secure power is an absolute must-have.
Solar panels last 30 years or more. The industry-standard panel warranty is 25 years.
Solar panels degrade gradually over time with exposure to sunlight, wind, and weather. Panels are typically warranted 25–30 years and have a design lifespan of over 30 years. Energy production is expected to degrade by about one-half of one percent per year.
Inverters are warranted for 10–15 years and have an expected lifespan of 15–20 years. You may need to replace an inverter once in the system’s lifetime and we figure that cost into our financial predictions.
All other system components have service lives over 30 years.
Great question! Grid-tied solar electric systems automatically feed power into your house. Any excess electricity produced by the solar system and not used by your home is put onto the electric grid and spins your electric meter backward. Your utility credits you on your bill for the kWh produced!
Great question! Grid-tied solar electric systems automatically feed power into your house. Any excess electricity produced by the solar system and not used by your home is put onto the electric grid and spins your electric meter backward. Your utility credits you on your bill for the kWh produced!
Yes—in a great way! In addition to the many benefits of solar power for homes, increased property value can be found among them. Let’s face it – the home you’re in now might not be the home that you live in for the next 25 or more years. You may wonder: what happens if I move? Should you still consider solar if you aren’t sure you’ll be in your home forever? Yes! Solar panels are attractive to potential buyers, meaning they can increase your home’s value.
That depends! We can build solar panel systems on the roof or on the ground. Rooftop solar offers a lower-cost option. The roof is an existing structure that can usually serve well as a mounting surface for solar panels. A ground-mounted solar system requires a foundation and may demand a long underground wire run back to the house.
Either type of installation can work well. We can provide whichever option you prefer, and we will advise you as to our opinion of which will work best in your case.
The short answer is no. In fact, the reverse is true—by shading the roof from the sun’s rays and from the damaging effects of wind, hail, and debris, the solar array will actually increase the life of the roof beneath it. And the panels themselves are quite durable—about as hard to break as a car windshield.
As experienced, certified installers, we take great care to ensure no damage is done to the roof during the installation or anytime thereafter. We work very hard to ensure that each and every one of our customers is satisfied with their solar system results.
The Solar market is constantly changing as new technologies come on the market.
Our experience gives us an educated eye when evaluating new and emerging products. Our offerings have been carefully selected from premium companies in the solar industry. We have seen many companies come and go in our 20 years of business. It’s important for us to vet our equipment suppliers carefully and only install the most reliable equipment.
At =Kokosing Solar, we specialize in installing full turnkey, grid-interactive solar energy systems. In addition to solar installation, Kokosing Solar is also experienced in installing solar energy storage systems and maintaining various solar battery offerings, Electric Vehicle charging stations, and gas generators.
No, Third Sun Kokosing Solar does not install off-grid solar systems.
We’re ready to help! All you have to do is reach out to our solar energy experts for a consultation, and we’ll take care of the rest.
In 2025, Ohio residents can benefit from the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Businesses and farms may also qualify for USDA REAP grants or additional benefits if located in Energy Communities. Kokosing Solar can help you identify every available incentive based on your location and energy profile.
The federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), allows Ohio homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of their solar system from federal taxes. This can include equipment, labor, and certain related costs. It’s a powerful incentive—and Kokosing Solar will guide you through the paperwork to make sure you maximize your return.
Yes. Ohio businesses can claim the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit on eligible solar project costs. In some cases, the credit can increase up to 50% when combined with bonuses for domestic content, prevailing wage, and Energy Community status. Kokosing Solar helps commercial clients navigate this complex landscape.
If passed, the proposed bill could shorten or eliminate the residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) to end 12/31/2025. Acting now ensures you can lock in the full 30% credit. For commercial clients, Kokosing Solar will help customers “safe harbor” their systems before any policy changes take effect.
Ohio’s net metering policy allows homeowners and businesses to earn credits for the extra electricity their solar system sends back to the grid. These credits offset future electric bills. Kokosing Solar manages utility coordination, permitting and system design to ensure your solar setup is net metering-compatible.
To qualify for a USDA REAP grant, you must be an agricultural producer or a rural small business located in an eligible area. Kokosing Solar has extensive experience preparing materials and coordinating REAP grant submissions and can guide you through eligibility screening, paperwork, and connect you with winning partners for the application process.
Most solar incentives, including the federal solar tax credit (ITC) and Ohio’s net metering, do not have income limits. However, the tax credit is not a rebate and taxes must be owed in order to claim the credit. Kokosing Solar encourages you to talk with your tax professional to ensure you are eligible to receive the maximum benefit.
Some Ohio utilities have offered limited-time solar rebates in the past. Our team stays up-to-date on all available rebates and incentives and can alert you when new ones become available.
Yes—solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days and in winter. Our systems are engineered for Ohio’s climate to deliver reliable performance year-round.
The physical installation usually takes 1–3 days. The total process—from contract to permission to operate—generally takes 2-3 months, depending on our schedule and utility timelines. We keep clients informed every step of the way.
Costs vary based on system size, equipment, and roof type, but typical Ohio installations range from $25,000 to $40,000 before incentives. We provide clear, no-surprise quotes tailored to your energy needs.
Yes! It’s documented that solar often increases resale value by ~4%, especially when the system is owned outright. Buyers are drawn to lower utility bills and sustainable features. We’ll help document your system for appraisals.
Yes, but going fully off-grid requires solar panels, batteries, and a generator. Most Ohio homeowners opt for grid-tied systems with backup storage, which offer resilience and better economics. Kokosing Solar can’t take you off grid but we can help you understand why a grid-tied system may make more sense.
Yes. In addition to the federal ITC, manufacturers may qualify for Energy Community bonuses, accelerated depreciation, and SRECs in some areas. We’ve helped multiple manufacturers structure high-ROI solar investments.
Yes. Strategic solar plus battery setups can reduce peak demand charges by limiting your draw from the grid during high-cost periods. Our commercial engineering team builds systems with demand management in mind.
Ohio businesses can explore cash purchase, solar loans, and PPAs. We help evaluate ROI, depreciation, and incentive stacking to determine the best structure for your business or organization. Then, we can help connect you with the appropriate financing partners.
We use Tier 1 panels from trusted manufacturers with strong warranties. Part of choosing a trusted installer is choosing an installer with the experience to vet product manufacturers. Our team will recommend the right mix of performance, aesthetics, and longevity for your goals.
Solar panels are low maintenance and have no moving parts. We recommend an annual inspection and critter guards for most rooftop arrays.
Most solar panels are warrantied for 25–30 years and continue producing power long after that. Our systems are built with durable components tested to withstand Ohio winters and summer heat. Warranties will be a key discussion topic during your free solar evaluation.
Look for experience, in-house crews, NABCEP certifications, strong reviews, and transparent pricing. Kokosing Solar has 25 years of solar experience, union-trained installers, NABCEP certifications on deck and a reputation for building our business on referrals from our many happy clients.
Ohio offers net metering, but policy changes are possible. Installing sooner likely locks in today’s favorable terms, as in other states we’ve seen solar customers get “grandfathered” into their standing net-metering policy, prior to solar policy change. We stay involved in policy discussions and keep clients informed of regulatory updates.
Ohio is a de-regulated energy market so there are many different utility companies with many different rate policies. That’s why working with a professional who understands your local utility is vital. We don’t see this often, but it is possible, especially if you belong to a rural electric co-op.
Ohio is seeing growing solar adoption and more clean energy interest from businesses, cities, and utilities. Federal and local policies are shifting. Kokosing Solar stays engaged with energy policy at the state and national level.
Some HOAs may impose design guidelines, but they cannot outright prohibit solar in most cases in Ohio. We’ve helped homeowners navigate HOA approvals successfully and install systems that meet aesthetic and structural requirements.
Look for experience, in-house crews, NABCEP certifications, strong reviews, and transparent pricing. Kokosing Solar has 25 years of solar experience, union-trained installers, NABCEP certifications on deck and a reputation for building our business on referrals from our many happy clients.
Yes. Local building permits and utility interconnection approvals are required. Utility permits and jurisdictions vary based on location. Kokosing Solar has in house permitting specialists who handle all permitting and paperwork for you, ensuring full code compliance and utility coordination.
Unfortunately, yes. Watch for out-of-state contractors with no Ohio presence, vague pricing, or high-pressure sales. Kokosing Solar has decades of local experience and a track record of trust and transparency.
Buying solar provides the best long-term savings and eligibility for tax credits. Leasing may reduce upfront costs but limits ownership benefits. We provide detailed comparisons to help you decide.
Look for proven experience, good reviews, transparent contracts, and in-house crews. Kokosing Solar has built its reputation on quality, integrity, and long-term service—not shortcuts.
Low quotes may use unproven equipment. They may also rely on subcontractors or low-wage labor. We believe in being around for the long-haul – honest pricing, labor quality, and a system that performs for decades. We know what it takes to build a business that lasts for 25+ years.
solar (at) kokosing.biz
877-696-7652
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