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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Ohio is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W without utility approval or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when Ohio goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in Ohio today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including Ohio, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
HB 755
Expected vote
In Committee — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
AEP Ohio / FirstEnergy

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 3.0%/yr avg — Low growth
Rates up 16% over the past 5 years
From $0.121/kWh in 2021 → $0.140/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
3.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.121
2021
$0.124
2022
$0.128
2023
$0.132
2024
$0.136
2025
$0.140
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.253/kWh
at 3.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$962
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Ohio's $0.140/kWh avg. rate and 4.4 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for Ohio

sorted by your payback period
10yr payback~$2,197 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$97/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
10yr payback~$2,128 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$100/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →
11yr payback~$1,034 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$48/yr avg cost
Shop Now →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4.4h/day (Ohio avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.140/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
655 kWh
55 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$92
$8/mo
Payback Period
12 yrs
by year 12
25-Year Savings
$3,127
net $1,927
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Ohio?
It's not explicitly banned, but Ohio's utilities (AEP Ohio, AES Ohio) currently require an interconnection application for any grid-tied device, including small plug-in solar units. A pending bill, HB 755, would exempt certified devices up to 1,200W from that requirement, but it hasn't passed yet.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Ohio?
Generally no — Ohio's SB 61 (2022) prevents HOA declarations from banning solar devices outright, unless 75% of owners vote to add such a restriction. HOAs can still impose reasonable placement and size rules.
Does AEP Ohio offer net metering for small solar systems?
Yes, AEP Ohio and AES Ohio both offer Net Energy Metering Service, but it requires a formal interconnection application and agreement — even for small systems under 1,500W — under current rules.
What's the status of Ohio's plug-in solar bill?
HB 755 is in committee as of the 2026 session. It would allow residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W to be installed without utility approval, fees, or interconnection paperwork, similar to laws passed in Utah and Maine.
Is Ohio a good state for solar?
Ohio has moderate solar potential (roughly 4-4.5 kWh/m²/day) — less than the Sun Belt but workable for supplemental balcony or patio solar setups, especially for offsetting daytime appliance use.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Ohio legislature and will email you the moment HB 755 is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.