Commercial Solar Calculator

Estimate the size, production, and payback of a solar system for your Ohio business, using your own rates and pricing.

Estimate Your Solar System

Average monthly usage from your bills

From your bill: the per-kWh supply and delivery charges. Leave out demand ($/kW) charges, which solar usually doesn't reduce much.

How much of your usage you want solar to cover

Optional. For a rooftop system, we'll check whether it fits.

Optional. Divide a quote's total price by the system size in watts. Add it to see cost and payback.

Only include a credit your tax advisor confirms you qualify for. The deadlines are tight; see below.

Solar in Ohio: What to Know

Ohio isn't the sunniest state, but solar can still make sense for businesses with good roof space and steady daytime usage. Whether it pays off depends on your electricity rates, your installed cost, and whether your project qualifies for the federal tax credit.

Ohio Solar Facts

  • • Average 4.2 peak sun hours/day
  • • 1,100-1,300 kWh/kW annual production
  • • Net metering available (terms vary by utility)
  • • No state solar tax credit currently

Federal Tax Credit: Deadlines Are Tight

A 2025 federal law is ending the tax credit for commercial solar. For projects that begin construction after July 4, 2026, the system must be placed in service by December 31, 2027 to qualify. Projects that began construction earlier may have more time.

The credit starts at 6% of eligible costs and can reach 30% for projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements; many systems under 1 megawatt qualify for 30% without them. Bonus amounts may apply for domestic content or energy communities. IRS rules on when construction begins, and on where equipment comes from, are strict, so confirm eligibility with your installer and a tax advisor before counting on any credit.

Source: IRS Notice 2025-42. Information current as of October 2026.

Best Candidates

  • Warehouses: Large flat roofs, daytime usage
  • Manufacturing: High energy use, stable demand
  • Retail: Peak usage aligns with solar production
  • Office: Good fit if roof space available

Space Requirements

Commercial solar typically requires about 100 sq ft per kW of capacity. A 100 kW system needs roughly 10,000 sq ft of unshaded roof space.

What Drives Installed Cost

  • System size: larger systems usually cost less per watt
  • Mounting: carports and ground mounts usually cost more than rooftop
  • Roof condition: an older roof may need replacing first
  • Electrical and interconnection work: utility upgrades can add cost
  • Equipment and tariffs: prices change with supply and trade policy

Prices change often, so use current quotes from several installers rather than published averages.

Want Help Weighing Your Options?

An independent energy broker can help you understand your usage and supply contract, which matters when you're evaluating solar.

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