Solar Energy in Bexley

Electricity reforms are one of the most impactful solutions we can take to not contribute to global temperature increase. Project Drawdown lists Distributed Solar Photovoltaics – which includes rooftop solar – as a meaningful way to save our planet from the climate crisis.

A variety of options are available for procuring clean and green energy for your home. Please see the options below, and feel free to contact the City’s Sustainability Programs Coordinator to learn more about each program.

Contact Information:

Elizabeth Ellman
Sustainability Programs Coordinator

Phone: (614) 559-4200
Fax: (614) 559-4201

Bexley City Hall
2242 E. Main Street
Bexley, Ohio 43209

Residential Solar Options

Residential Solar Panels

The City of Bexley encourages interested residents to pursue solar panels at their individual homes. Our City Code allows for rear facing solar panels and front-facing panels by right with approval of the configuration through the Architectural Review Board. To view the City's solar zoning provisions, click here.

Additionally, the Solar United Neighbors Co-op program may provide financing options to make solar more affordable.

City of Bexley Joins Columbus' Regional Solar Co-Op Program

With Solar United Neighbors of Ohio

On May 6, Solar United Neighbors of Ohio opened the Columbus Area 2024 Solar, Storage and EV Charger Co-op, which is available to Bexley residents. As with the 2023 co-op, this will be an opportunity to provide group bulk purchasing for solar energy and installation. Find more information here.

Solar in Bexley

Welcome to Bexley’s solar resource webpage. Bexley is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Solar Benefits

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Ohio, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Our SolSmart Designation

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a quote.

Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.

Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers

Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.

Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics – learn about the federal tax credit, eligibility, and other common questions & answers from the U.S. Department of Energy.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Energy Special Improvement District
Ohio Energy Loan Fund
Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA)
Solar Power Purchase Agreements Toolkit (IREC)
Solar United Neighbors

Consumer Protection & Solar PV

Solar Access

According to DSIRE USA, Ohio law "allows property owners to create binding solar easements for the purpose of protecting and maintaining proper access to sunlight. Easements must be executed in writing and are subject to the same conveyance and recording requirements as other easements. A solar access easement agreement shall include:

A description of the real property burdened and and benefited by the easement
A description of the limits in heights, locations, or both, of permissible development on the burdened land in terms of structures, vegetation, or both, for the purpose of providing solar access for the benefited land
Any terms or conditions under which the solar access easement is granted or may be terminated
A term stating that the solar access easement runs with the land, unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the easement regarding termination, or unless otherwise agreed by the parties
Any other provisions necessary or desirable to execute the instrument"

Solar Maps & Solar Potential

Solar Permitting and Inspection Process

Checklist Requirements for Minor Architectural Review Application for Solar Panels on a House Roof or Garage Roof

Complete MA #3 (Solar Panel) Permit
Site plan with aerial view of panel location
Work with Staff Consultant on aesthetics
Once approved, submit a Residential Building Permit
Provide roof plan showing the location of the PV panels on the roof
Provide specification sheet of PV panels, inverters, racking equipment, etc.
Provide electrical diagrams, electrical permit, and worksheets showing configuration
Obtain Engineer's Stamp
Receive approval by City's Plans Examiner

Best efforts are made to review completed residential solar permit applications within 3 business days. These turnaround times are typical, not guaranteed. Bexley has a staff of dedicated individuals, but workloads, vacations, and sick leave can cause unforeseen delays that may impact turnaround time.