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Solar Energy
Statement of Support for Residential Solar Energy Systems:
Olmsted Township is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. The Township supports the use and installation of residential solar energy generation systems as a means to promote sustainable development, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance energy independence within the community. Encouraging solar power aligns with the Township’s goals of fostering responsible growth and supporting technologies that improve long-term quality of life for residents.
Olmsted Township has been recognized as a SolSmart Bronze designee for implementing best practices that make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy. SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and designation recognizes Olmsted Township’s solar efforts.
Policies and Processes
Benefits of Residential Solar Generation:
- Environmental Stewardship: Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
- Energy Independence: By generating power on-site, homeowners can reduce their dependence on the electrical grid and increase community resilience during peak demand or outages.
- Economic Savings: Solar systems can reduce long-term household energy costs and, in many cases, increase property values.
- Sustainability Goals: Supporting renewable energy aligns with broader state and federal initiatives promoting clean energy and sustainability.
- Community Leadership: Encouraging solar adoption demonstrates the Township’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The Township recognizes the importance of balancing renewable energy goals with neighborhood character, safety, and zoning considerations, and will continue to evaluate and update regulations to ensure that solar installations are both effective and compatible with surrounding uses.
Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It creates local jobs, supports local solar companies in Ohio, stabilizes energy costs, improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system and can improve environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. Solar in Ohio
Finding a Contractor and Going Solar
Find a solar contractor(s) to assess your home or business for solar energy and provide a quote.
- Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
- Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers. Best Solar Companies in Cleveland, OH: 2026 Trusted Local Installers | EnergySage
- Group purchase programs (sometimes referred to as “solar coops” or “solarize campaigns” are a great way to reduce costs for homeowners. You can find opportunities to participate in a group purchase program through Solar United Neighbors.
- Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association. Solar in Ohio
- Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors. Home Solar | EnergySage
Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions
Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans, upfront payments, or a power purchase agreement (PPA).
- Energy Sage has developed a comprehensive resource on solar financing to help homeowners understand the different solar financing options. Solar Financing: How To Pay For Solar Panels | EnergySage
- A great place for residents to start identifying the incentives for which they are eligible is this calculator from Rewiring America. Ohio Solar Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates 2026 | EnergySage
- The Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar has been one of the most significant ways to reduce the cost of a rooftop solar PV system. With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act in 2025, the Investment Tax Credit will be eliminated by 2025 for residential projects and 2027 for commercial projects.
- Businesses should refer to the Federal Solar Tax Credits for Businesses. A summary of changes to solar taxes for businesses and commercial solar was developed by SEIA following the passage of the OBBB Act.
- Projects that are eligible for the Federal Investment Tax Credit, may also be eligible for additional bonus credits, including 20% in bonus credits for qualified solar or wind facilities developed in low-income communities; up to 10% bonus for projects located in “energy communities” that have a historic fossil-fuel economy, high unemployment or are developing solar on a brownfield; and 10% domestic content bonus for projects using the required amounts of U.S.-produced steel, iron and manufactured products.
State and local incentives:
- Across the country, many states have implemented tax exemptions for solar projects. 25 states offer sales tax exemptions, and 36 states have enabling legislation to allow property tax exemptions for solar energy.
Consumer Protections, Solar Rights, and Procedures
More Useful Solar Information