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Ohio SRECs 101

Ohio’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) market has experienced significant price declines over time due to oversupply and a relatively modest Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Since the RPS freeze in 2014, SREC prices have remained low, and while repeal efforts have not succeeded, ongoing legislative changes have continued to weaken market demand.

Who is eligible to sell Ohio SRECs?

In addition to solar systems located in Ohio, solar systems located in the following states may also sell SRECs in the Ohio market:

  • Pennsylvania

  • West Virginia

  • Michigan

  • Indiana

  • Kentucky

What is Ohio’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)?

Ohio’s RPS requires that:

  • 8.5% of the state’s electricity be sourced from renewable energy by 2026

What is the Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP)?

The Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP) is a penalty paid by utilities that do not meet Ohio’s solar requirements.

  • The SACP was set at $100 per MWh (1,000 kWh) through 2019

  • Due to market oversupply, the SACP has not functioned as a price driver, and utilities are unlikely to need to pay it

How long can SRECs be sold in Ohio?

  • Ohio SRECs up to five years old may be sold in the Ohio market

For additional regulatory details, visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) website.

What is required to register an Ohio solar system?

Before Sol Systems can register your system, customers must provide:

  • A signed interconnection agreement

  • A signed Sol Systems contract

  • Photos of the solar array(s)

  • Photos of the solar meter

How does registration work in Ohio?

Once all required documentation is received:

  • Sol Systems registers the system with:

    • The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and

    • PJM’s Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS), which mints SRECs

The combined registration process may take up to four months.

When does SREC eligibility begin in Ohio?

SREC eligibility depends on when the system is registered with PUCO.

  • If the system is registered within the same month as interconnection, eligibility dates back to the interconnection date

  • If registration occurs in a later month, eligibility begins on the first day of the registration month

Examples:

  • Interconnected January 1 and registered January 20 → eligible back to January 1

  • Interconnected February 5 and registered in March → eligible beginning March 1

What systems are eligible for Ohio SRECs?

  • Only photovoltaic (PV) solar systems are eligible

  • Solar thermal systems are not eligible

What metering is required?

  • Systems larger than 6 kW must use a dedicated revenue-grade solar meter

  • Systems 6 kW or smaller without a revenue-grade meter will report production using estimates by default

Does Sol Systems charge a registration fee?

No. Sol Systems does not charge a registration fee.

When are Ohio SREC payments made?

Sol Systems issues payments to Sol Annuity and Sol Brokerage customers on a monthly basis, according to the applicable payment schedule.

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