Can Ohio renters join a community solar program?

Yes, renters in Ohio may participate in community solar if programs are available through their utility provider. Contact your local utility to learn more about eligibility.

Do solar credits reduce my rent if utilities are included?

Usually, solar credits reduce the utility bill for whoever pays the bill. If utilities are included in your rent, your landlord typically receives any credits and a rent reduction is unlikely unless specified in your lease.

What can I do if I am not receiving promised solar credits?

You can request a breakdown of charges from your landlord, check with your utility provider, and file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) if the issue is not resolved.

How do I request a breakdown of utility charges from my landlord?

Submit a written request referencing Ohio Revised Code section 5321.04; your landlord is required to provide utility billing details if they charge you separately for utilities.

Who handles disputes between renters and landlords in Ohio?

The Ohio Courts of Common Pleas handle formal landlord-tenant disputes. PUCO assists with complaints involving utility billing or service.

Ohio Renters: Solar Power Credits & Utility Savings Guide

Utilities, Services & Billing Ohio published June 21, 2025

Many renters in Ohio want to save on electricity costs and ensure they're getting fair access to renewable energy savings like solar power credits. Navigating how these benefits work for tenants—especially in apartments or multi-unit housing—can be confusing. In this article, you'll learn how solar credits work in Ohio, how they can impact your utility bills, what rights you have as a renter, and what official steps you can take if there are disputes or questions about billing or credits.

Understanding Solar Power Credits for Ohio Renters

Solar power credits can offer energy bill savings by allowing customers to benefit from electricity generated by renewable sources like solar panels. In Ohio, solar programs often refer to net metering and shared/community solar, both of which may impact renters differently than homeowners.

Net Metering: Credits utility customers for excess energy their solar system sends to the power grid.
Community Solar: Allows participants (including renters) to subscribe to a local solar farm and receive bill credits for their share of renewable generation¹.

Are Renters Eligible for Solar Power Credits?

In Ohio, renters cannot typically install rooftop solar panels unless their landlord agrees. However, renters may still access savings through:

Community Solar Programs: If available, renters may subscribe to a nearby solar project and receive credits directly on their electric bills.
Third-party Providers: Some electric suppliers may offer renewable energy plans or shared savings programs, even without on-site solar panels.

It’s essential to confirm with your landlord and utility if you’re eligible for community or shared solar participation. Always check program requirements on your electric utility’s official site.

How Solar Credits and Utility Savings Affect Your Rent and Rights

Because landlords often control utility arrangements in multi-unit properties, renters should know:

If utilities are included in rent, your landlord gets the savings, so ask how any solar credits will be shared or reflected in your rent.
If you pay your own electric bills, community solar credits will usually appear as a deduction on your monthly statement from the utility.
Billing transparency: Ohio law requires landlords to provide accurate billing if tenants are charged for utility usage separately².

What Can You Do If You Believe Credits Aren't Passed On Correctly?

If you’re expecting solar credits or savings but don’t see them reflected in your bill (or if you believe your landlord is mismanaging utility billing), Ohio offers several protections and options:

Request a written breakdown of utility charges from your landlord.
Contact your utility for an account statement showing applied credits.
If you suspect incorrect or unfair billing, you may contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to file a utility complaint.

Key Forms and How to Use Them as an Ohio Renter

PUCO Utility Complaint Form
Use this form to file a utility-related complaint if you believe you are not receiving proper billing or solar credits.
- When to use: For concerns about electric billing, utility services, or credits you believe should be applied.
- Example: If your electric bill is missing solar credits promised through a community solar program, complete this form online or by mail.
- Access the PUCO Utility Complaint Form
Request for Rental Utility Billing Statement
While there is no universal state form, you can make a written request under the Ohio Revised Code section 5321.04 for your landlord to provide a detailed statement of utility charges.

Official Tribunal for Residential Tenancies

The Ohio Courts of Common Pleas handle disputes between landlords and tenants, including utility and billing matters. For utility-specific disputes, contact PUCO.

Relevant Ohio Legislation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ohio renters join a community solar program?
Yes, if a program is offered in your area and your utility supports it, renters can sign up for community solar. Contact your utility to ask about availability and terms.
Do solar credits reduce my rent if utilities are included?
Usually, solar credits go to the party paying the utility bill. If your landlord pays the utilities as part of your rent, credits are typically applied to their bill, so you may not see a direct rent reduction unless your lease states otherwise.
What steps can I take if billed incorrectly for utilities or missing credits?
You can request a disclosure of charges from your landlord, contact your utility company for clarification, and file a complaint through PUCO if needed.
How do I request a breakdown of utility charges from my landlord?
Make a written request citing Ohio Revised Code section 5321.04; landlords must provide accurate billing if utilities are billed separately.
Who resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in Ohio?
The Ohio Courts of Common Pleas resolve formal housing and utility disputes; PUCO resolves utility service issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) – For utility billing and service complaints
Ohio Courts of Common Pleas – For landlord-tenant court disputes
Ohio Landlord-Tenant Laws (Chapter 5321) – Know your legal rights
Ohio Legal Help: Landlord-Tenant Assistance

See PUCO's Renewable Energy & Community Solar Programs
Billing disclosure and utility provision requirements are outlined in Ohio Revised Code section 5321.04