Myths vs. facts
Setting the Record Straight
Solar 101 Myths
FACT: Solar power helps strengthen Ohio’s energy grid grid and provides a reliable, steady source of power, helping keep the lights on and power running for millions of Ohio homes and businesses during extreme weather. Solar panels are designed to withstand these extreme weather conditions to ensure Ohioans have reliable power, day or night, rain or shine.
FACT: Here in Ohio and nationwide, an investment in solar photovoltaic energy creates an average of 1.5 times as many jobs as the same investment in fossil fuels would create.
FACT: In 2023, Ohio ranked 22nd in the nation for installed solar, with enough capacity to power over 176,000 Ohio homes, having jumped 10 spots since 2022. Over the next five years, Ohio is adding over 7,788 MW of new projects and thousands of jobs, helping grow our in-state solar capabilities and economy.
FACT: With more than 240 in-state solar companies, the solar power industry provides nearly 7,500 Ohio jobs, which are expected to grow by 9.2% in 2023. Moreover, solar power investments in Ohio communities currently total $2 billion, helping create jobs and strengthen local economies across the state.
FACT: Representing 99.6% of all Ohio business and employing 44.7% of employees in the state, small businesses are the backbone of Ohio’s economy. Solar tax credits help these small businesses save money through lower energy bills, which allows them to reinvest in themselves and grow their workforce.
FACT: Solar panels can be recycled and used to create more clean energy—or for a number of other purposes—after they have reached their end-of-life phase. Ohio provides private opportunities to recycle solar panels and systems. Dozens of companies across the state accept solar panels and photovoltaic (PV) systems for recycling. The state has more opportunities.
FACT: Investments by the solar industry are increasing our ability to manufacture solar products here in the United States. The industry is rapidly scaling up manufacturing across the country, bringing Ohio communities into the fold and building robust American supply chains.
Consumer Myths
FACT: The price of solar energy in Ohio has fallen by 43% over the last decade, making it more affordable for families and businesses across the Buckeye State. State and federal tax credits, incentives, and other rebates make installing solar energy cheaper than ever before. Today, solar power is the cheapest source of electricity in history, providing Ohio homes, businesses, public institutions, and entire communities with an affordable alternative to fossil fuels. In Ohio, an average solar system produces $20,080 in savings over 20 years. With the increased savings from lowered electricity bills and additional incentives, such as payment plans and financing, local stipends, net metering, and solar energy system property tax exclusion, solar power systems installed in Ohio homes can be paid back in as little as 16 years.
FACT: Ohio families, farmers, and businesses are struggling with the rising cost of energy and electricity bills. Solar energy helps lower these costs, while also powering stronger communities and local economies. Ohio residents can save up to $1,000 each year on energy bills with solar panels.
FACT: Rooftop solar increases Ohio property values. Not only does installing solar panels cut electricity costs, but it also can increase home values. Across the country, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power.
FACT: Solar energy projects lower energy costs and electricity bills for Ohio families; create good-paying jobs—in construction, engineering, operations, maintenance, and more—for hardworking Ohioans; and help support local businesses and economies. These projects also strengthen the state’s energy independence. Ohio communities also benefit from increased tax revenue, while households and businesses save money thanks to tax credits that make installing solar systems cheaper.
FACT: Actually, solar power cuts costs for local governments, providing savings that can help fund schools, fire departments, infrastructure, and more. Ohio is on the forefront of solar panel installment on schools. School districts in Ohio that have switched to solar are saving millions of dollars—some districts cutting their utility costs by 25% after installing solar systems to power their schools. Additionally, solar power is helping local utilities cut costs and increase efficiency. Ohio’s soon-to-be first floating solar project will help Del-Co Water, a central Ohio water utility, offset nearly 50% of its electricity consumption, saving roughly $400,000 annually.
FACT: Solar panels are safe and play an instrumental role in providing Ohioans with clean, healthy air. Reducing carbon pollution is key to improving air quality in our communities and solar energy is critical to making that happen.
FACT: There is overwhelming support for in-state solar power development by Ohioans. According to a poll, nearly 8 in 10 likely Ohio voters support solar projects and welcome solar power development in their communities.
Farm Lands Myths
FACT: Ohio farmers and ranchers can reduce energy bills and make money by leasing unused land for solar energy projects. Across the state, farmers, ranchers, and landowners have made hundreds of thousands of dollars by working with solar companies and leasing their land for new solar projects. Converting land to a solar farm could help generate around $1,200 to $1,500 per acre per year. Agrivoltaics—the use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation—can also help improve crop productivity and minimize water use. A soon-to-be central Ohio solar project promises to break new ground in agrivoltaics, providing a model for how farming and solar energy production can provide mutual benefits for each other.
FACT: Many solar projects are developed in rural parts of the state, bringing economic benefits to rural Ohio communities that remain economically challenged. Solar projects provide increased tax revenue, new job creation, and income for local businesses in these communities. Tax revenue from large-scale solar arrays also provides critical funding for rural towns and communities that can support local schools, infrastructure, public services, and other community needs. For example, the Canal Road Solar Project will provide local government agencies with $32 million and private capital investment worth $94.6 million over the project’s lifetime.
FACT: Solar panels are non-toxic and do not pose any risk to Ohioans, local wildlife and ecosystems, or the land on which solar projects are sited. Solar panels are built using strong encapsulants, such as thick sheets of glass, to house wiring and semiconductors from the outside environment, making it highly unlikely to cause harm to people or animals. Additionally, there is no presence or leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs) in solar panels, providing further protection to the environment and inhabitants near panels. PFAs are not used in the manufacturing of solar panels.
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