In Ohio, a 8.4-kW system for an average home costs about $21,569 after incentives in 2026, saves about $1,973 in the first year and pays back in 9.6 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 8.36 kW × $2.58/W | $21,569 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $21,569 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $21,569 | $1,973 | 9.6 yr | $47,220 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $21,569 | $1,973 | 8.8 yr | $75,086 |
| Rates stay flat | $21,569 | $1,973 | 11 yr | $25,921 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $30,096 | $1,973 | 12.9 yr | $38,693 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $38,336 | $1,973 | 15.8 yr | $30,453 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $14,758 | $969 | 13.1 yr | $18,262 |
Verdict: at average Ohio numbers, solar is a solid investment in 2026 — payback takes 9.6 years, leaving you $47,220 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: weak sun (the 10th-lowest yield of 51); 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price. Pay cash if you can: Berkeley Lab found loan-financed systems priced about $1.50/W above cash installs in 2025, which can add years to the payback.
Net metering and exports in Ohio: Utility net metering with continuous credit rollover; credit value not necessarily full retail (verify utility tariff).
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Ohio average of $1,242/kWh adds $16,767 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 15.8 years.
EnergySage's Ohio page lists a 11.4-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.