Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2026 or Should You Look Elsewhere for Savings?
Solar panels are still worth it for many Ohio homeowners in 2026, even without federal tax credits. As electricity costs skyrocket, solar provides meaningful savings and can pay for itself quickly, especially with a strong net metering policy.
That said, installing home solar panels isn’t the only way to protect yourself from rising energy costs. Energy efficiency improvements like insulation and air sealing can also save money by reducing how much energy your home uses in the first place.
Why Solar Is Still a Good Investment in Ohio in 2026
Solar installation has its pros and cons, but the benefits make it worth the investment for most Ohio homes.
1. Protects Against Rising Energy Costs
Energy costs are rising fast - Ohio electric rates increased 30% in 2025, and double digit increases are expected again in 2026. This makes taking control of your power more important than ever. Solar panels shield you from utility rate increases, so your electricity costs stay low and your system pays for itself quickly.
2. Strong Net Metering Policy Boosts Savings
Solar saves the most money in states like Ohio that have strong net metering policies. Net metering lets you earn utility credit for the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your credit offsets the cost of electricity you buy from the grid at night, when your solar panels aren’t generating electricity.
3. Financing Reduces Upfront Costs
Installing solar panels can still be affordable without federal tax incentives, thanks to financing. We can help you take advantage of flexible financing, including $0 down options. Upfront money should never stand in between you and solar.
4. Increases Your Home’s Value
If you go solar now, you could earn a big chunk of your investment back when you sell your home. By average, solar panels increase home value by between 4% and 6%. For the average home in Ohio, that adds almost $10,000 to the sale price.
Is Solar the Best Way to Save on Rising Energy Costs?
Solar panels are one of the best ways to save money on electric bills and avoid rising rates, especially in houses that use a lot of electricity. Most homeowners in Ohio save $50,000 or more over the 25+ year lifespan of their system.
Still, solar panels are an investment. If you’re looking for more affordable ways to reduce your energy bills, energy efficiency improvements are the way to go. They still require an investment, but a smaller one than rooftop solar in most cases. And the savings can be substantial, especially if your house is old, drafty, or poorly insulated to begin with.
Best Ways to Save on Energy Costs (Besides Solar)
Insulation - Insulation holds heat in during the winter and blocks it out during the summer, so your house stays comfortable with less heating and air conditioning.
Air Sealing - Air sealing eliminates drafty areas that heat and AC leak out of, reducing energy costs.
Crawl Space Encapsulation - Crawl space encapsulation stops your crawl space from feeding cold air into your house during the winter and hot, humid air into your house during the summer, reducing energy costs.
Solar vs Energy Efficiency - Which Should You Prioritize?
The right answer depends on your home, your budget, and what matters most to you.
For some Ohio homeowners, solar makes sense right away, especially if electricity use is high and the roof is a good fit. For others, energy efficiency upgrades like insulation and air sealing can deliver meaningful savings with a lower upfront investment.
In many cases, the best solution is a combination of both. At Sustainergy Cooperative, we call this approach Smart Solar: starting with energy efficiency improvements to reduce energy use, then installing a smaller, more affordable solar panel system.
Because we specialize in both energy efficiency and solar, we can assess your home honestly, run the numbers, and help you choose the upgrades that make the most sense for your specific needs.
