When it comes to using solar power, there are a few states that come to mind right off the bat. California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona are located in the South, have tons of sunshine, and are leading the charge when it comes to using solar light to power homes and businesses.
But that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth the investment in other states. Up in the Midwest, the amount of solar power Ohio homes are using is growing each year as well.
While there is still plenty of room for growth, installing solar panels in Ohio is almost always worth the investment, even with fewer sunny days. You’re still going to save a ton of money on utilities each year.
Plus, you get to feel good knowing that you are part of one of the greatest environmental solutions currently taking place.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know when considering solar energy in Ohio.
Amount of Solar Power Ohio is Using
Not all states currently have a unified push to increase solar usage, though that is likely to change in the coming years. The states with the most room for growth include those in the Midwest and in the South.
According to chooseenergy.com, Ohio is currently ranked 27th in overall solar power usage, powering around 20,000 homes by the sun. Currently, less than 1% of the state’s overall electricity comes from solar. Contrast that with California, where 15% of the state’s overall electricity comes from solar power.
This ranking puts Ohio ahead of most Midwestern states but still has plenty of room for growth.
Effectiveness of Solar Cells in Ohio
One of the biggest factors of solar power effectiveness is how much sun an area gets. The more direct, sunny days, the more electricity your panels will generate.
On average, the state of Ohio gets 173 sunny days per year. The cities of Dayton, Cleveland, and Columbus get sunny days about 50% of the time.
Compared with cities in Alaska, Washington, and Michigan, which receive between 30% and 40% sunny days, it’s a much better place to use solar power.
And even though Ohio doesn’t receive nearly as much sunshine as the Southwest, this is still a lot of sunlight that can power your home throughout the year, making the savings worth it.
Ohio Solar Incentives
One of the best reasons to install solar panels at your Ohio home is the federal solar tax credit. This credit is available nationwide and will give you back 26% of your total solar installation on your tax return.
This deal is only available through the end of 2022 when the amount you receive drops significantly.
You can also take advantage of net metering. On sunny, summer days, when your panels generate excess electricity, you can actually sell it back to your power grid rather than waste it.
Then, when you need to draw power from the grid at night or when it’s cloudy, you do so free of charge, using up any credits you’ve earned.
This needs to be set up properly. Have your solar panels installed and connected to the grid by a reputable installer in Ohio, such as Blue Raven Solar, to ensure you receive this benefit.
Be Part of the Solution
Now that you know how much solar power Ohio homes are using, it’s up to you to help move the statistics in the right direction. Solar power, even in Ohio, is still worth the investment. Especially considering the incredible incentives you can receive.
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