2024 Solar Incentives Guide for London, OH - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in London.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted London solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in London?

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
SREC prices vary based on market conditions

Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Rate reduction available for up to $50,000 and 7 years of the bank loan

Dayton Power and Light - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Heating & Cooling
Air Conditioning: $100 - $150, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Geothermal Heat Pump: $800 - $1,000, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400
Airlfow/Climate Control
WiFi Thermostat: $20-$30
Smart Thermostat: $75
Air Insulation & Sealing: Up to $650, must be through approved contractors

Appliance Recycling: $50

Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$50,000

Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Low-interest, 30-year loan

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. You may be eligible for various types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Ohio and others from the federal government. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Make sure you talk with your London utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to get a credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In most cases, solar systems that produce over a specific (generally small) amount of electricity can qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically offered at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and generally the money you make is normally considered part of your taxable income.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Federal Solar Incentives

When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a set percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, accessories and equipment – although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Your local London solar panel installation expert can give you more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022, and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit for 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under this new program.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local London solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives could come from the Ohio government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in London

You can apply for solar incentives from the federal government and the Ohio government, as well as from your local utility company. Growing availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. Your local London solar panel installer can give you more information about which incentives you might qualify for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's London, OH Solar Incentives FAQs

If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local London solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you might want to apply for.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in London?

Once you add solar panels to your home in London, you can anticipate savings of around $772.48 per year, or approximately $14,677.15 over the next 20 years.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my home?

You can lower your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 9,000 pounds in 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money possible.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. You should discuss your plan with your local London solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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