Ohio lies in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is the 7th most populous state in the USA. On average, Ohio receives 178 sunny days per year. This is short of the average annual of 205 sunny days in the USA. However, estimates indicate that Ohio gets nearly as much sunlight as Spain and surpasses Germany’s solar yearly insolation.
In terms of solar production, it occupies the 17th position among all states of the USA. Ohio has been keen to tap its solar potential. It has introduced multiple incentives such as reductions in interest rates, solar renewable energy certificates (SERCs), an ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard, and Federal Solar Tax Credit. Owing to these incentives and rebates, Ohio is expected to make significant leaps in growth rates over the next five years.
The cost of solar energy has reduced significantly over the past few years. Currently, solar panel installation in Ohio ranges from $2.32 to $3.14 per watt. Multiple large retailers in Ohio have opted for solar energy. Renowned names include Assurant, Springfield, OH, Campbell’s Soup and Cincinnati Parks, and Smale Riverfront. Campbell’s Soup has taken the lead by installing a mega power plant of 10 MW capacity at their manufacturing plant located in Napoleon, Ohio.
Solar Friendly Legislation in Ohio
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
Ohio introduced its first Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2008. According to the RPS, the contribution of renewable energy to Ohio’s energy mix should be capped at 12.5%.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Ohio has introduced SERCs to incentivize the production of solar energy financially. For each megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity produced by the solar system, one SERC will be awarded. One SERC has an estimated cost of $10. Hence, the more energy your system produces, the more financial benefit you can receive.
State-sponsored Interest Rate Reductions
To reduce the cost of solar financing, Ohio has introduced the Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program. You can receive up to a 3 percent reduction on bank loans for financing your solar system through this program.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
This tax credit can help reduce the cost of your solar system significantly. According to this scheme, when you file for income tax, you can receive cashback up to 26% of the total cost of your solar system.
The following statistics reveal the state of solar energy in Ohio:
- Solar Installed (MW): 836.6
- National Ranking: 25th (17th in 2021)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.78%
- Solar Jobs: 6,532
- Solar Companies in State: 205 (84 Manufacturers, 58 Installers/Developers, 63 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 1.4 billion
- Prices have fallen 4% over the last five years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 5,800 MW over the next five years (ranks 5th)
- Number Of Installations: 10,442
Need for Solar Panel Recycling Solutions in Ohio
Ohio is making multiple efforts to tap its true potential for solar generation. Ambitious targets and solar-friendly legislation have put Ohio on a path to achieving energy sufficiency through solar energy.
However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning of solar systems or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Ohio, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Ohio solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight