ClevelandSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Cleveland homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) net metering. At 3.8 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $125/month bill (about 893 kWh) needs roughly a 9.8 kW system — 25 panels — and pays back in about 7.3 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Cleveland
Solar incentives in Cleveland come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Ohio does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
The Illuminating Company serves Cleveland with net metering; Ohio's SREC market adds modest annual income.
How Much Solar Cleveland Homes Produce
Cleveland gets 3.8 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,110 kWh per year here. A 9.8 kW system — the size that fits a typical $125/month The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) bill — generates roughly 10,874 kWh annually, worth about $1,522 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) Net Metering in Cleveland
The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) credits excess solar generation from Cleveland homes under Ohio's full retail-rate net metering (~100% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Ohio net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Cleveland?
At Ohio's 2026 average of $2.90/watt, the 9.8 kW system most Cleveland homes need runs about $28,420 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $8,526, plus OH SREC income — landing the net cost near $12,094, with payback around 7.3 years.
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Enter your The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) bill and we'll apply every Ohio and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.