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Is plug-in solar legal in Ohio?
Bill pending HB 755 / SB 383
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (HB 755 / SB 383) has been introduced in Ohio but has not become law.
Max system sizeNo capsmallest tier: Level 1 certified inverter, export <=25 kW
Electrician / permitPermit and inspectionutility rules apply
Tell the utility?Interconnection applicationtypical fee $100
CertificationUL 1741 inverterrequired by every utility
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Level 1 certified inverter, export <=25 kW), typical fee $100.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on HB 755 this year: Introduced 3/11/2026; House Energy 3/18/2026; no hearings; alive through 12/31/2026.
What the rules say
Ohio's bills are in committee; AEP/FirstEnergy/Duke interconnection rules apply.
Before you plug in: Ohio checklist
- The rule that applies is Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's interconnection process: OAC 4901:1-22 (rev. eff. 7/20/2026).
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Level 1 certified inverter, export <=25 kW). Not confirmed for Level 1 (Level 3 up to $100 + $2/kW).
- Permits: Certified local building departments; 2023 NEC; homeowner may do own work.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Generation-rate-only net metering credit.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch HB 755 / SB 383: Introduced 3/11/2026; House Energy 3/18/2026; no hearings; alive through 12/31/2026.
The rules in detail
Ohio has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is HB 755 / SB 383). Average residential electricity price: 19.45¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Bill status: in committee.
Your utility's rules in Ohio
No utility in Ohio publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| AEP Ohio | 1,339,232 | No specific statement (trackers: requires interconnection application for any grid-tied device). source |
| FirstEnergy Ohio (Ohio Edison, CEI, Toledo Edison) | 1,912,692 | No specific statement. |
| Duke Energy Ohio | 693,435 | No specific statement. |
| AES Ohio | 478,741 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | OAC 4901:1-22 (rev. eff. 7/20/2026). |
| Smallest tier | Level 1 certified inverter, export <=25 kW. |
| Application fee | Not confirmed for Level 1 (Level 3 up to $100 + $2/kW). |
| Electrician / permit | Certified local building departments; 2023 NEC; homeowner may do own work. |
| Export compensation | Generation-rate-only net metering credit. |
| Electrical code | 2023 NEC (commercial 3/1/2024; residential 4/15/2024). |
In practice
- Generation-only credit (~5-7 c) vs ~15 c retail.
- PUCO July 2026 update created no sub-kW exemption.
Plug-in solar bills in Ohio, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 755 | Reps. Tristan Rader (D-13), Chris Glassburn (D-15) | Introduced 3/11/2026; House Energy 3/18/2026; no hearings; alive through 12/31/2026. | <=1,200 W UL/NRTL; exempt from interconnection. |
| SB 383 | Sens. Louis Blessing (R), Casey Weinstein (D) | Introduced; no action. | Companion. |
State incentives
- ECO-Link loans; no credit or sales-tax exemption.
Who is pushing for a law
- Sierra Club Ohio
- Third Act Ohio
- Bright Saver
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Ohio
Adjust for your setup →≈ $156/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Ohio?
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (HB 755 / SB 383) has been introduced in Ohio but has not become law.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Ohio?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Ohio?
Default. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Ohio?
Roughly 800 kWh and about $156 per year at Ohio's average residential rate of 19.45¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.