As Ohio residents consider putting in a solar power system, solar stock investors finally begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Up until 2017 solar companies, across the nation, had reported poor year end results. “The solar industry is recovering and it is looking like the days of bleeding red ink are finally coming to a halt.” There have been some solid leaders who have maintained stability within this industry and they are confident that not only investors but homeowners will reap the benefits from all of the developing technology.
But Ohio residents remain skeptical. As the small mom and pop solar shops close up people are not too quick to rush out and install a $100,000 to $200,000 system on their home. Many companies, were not only fly by night companies, but they left homeowners with a huge bill and lien on their property. “Talk about being left in the dark. We were told that our power bill would be cut in half and it would only take six years to pay off our system.” Says a disgruntled solar panel buyer.
Solar companies like SolarWorld and Suniva are just two of the many solar manufacturers who closed their doors. Ohio, which has a flourishing non-residential solar market, has experienced increased competition in the face of the states rising renewable portfolio standard goals. With close to 300 solar companies in Ohio, that means 300 businesses are employing Ohio residents. One local resident said “We have been talking about putting in a solar system for years. We figure with all of them being here and with so many of our friends working for them, it must be a solid, good investment.”
As the cost of photovoltaic, PV, continues to decrease, the rise of solar power in Ohio has increased. According to Wikipedia “Ohio installed over ten megawatts of solar in 2015.” Ohio utility companies put in place a net metering rule which permits customers producing up to 25 kW to use net metering. Net Metering puts money back into the homeowner’s pocket. If a homeowner’s system produces more than the home actually needs then these “credit” go back into the utility grid for credit to the homeowner. More often than not a solar system takes in a lot more power than needed for that home. This is a win-win for the customers as well as the utility companies.
Now that the solar industry has infiltrated Buckeye Nation, Ohioans have a lot more to think when it comes to renewable energy.
