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 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.
The upcoming Residential PACE (financing through private capital) and Solar United Neighbors Co-op programs may provide financing options to make solar more affordable.
Buying Renewable Energy
As an alternative to purchasing solar panels, clean energy can be purchased from your energy provider. The City is working on an aggregation program to secure a competitive rate for all households to receive renewable energy. In the meantime, you may be able to purchase renewable energy for your home from your provider. Contact them to learn more about any programs that currently exist.
City of Bexley Joins Columbus' Regional Solar Co-Op Program
With Solar United Neighbors of Ohio
In July of 2022, Mayor Kessler announced the City of Bexley will be joining the City of Columbus and Solar United Neighbors of Ohio to provide group bulk purchasing for solar energy and installation. This announcement comes after months of work that Solar United Neighbors, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), and others have been developing for several years. Solar United Neighbors most recently held a co-op locally in 2021.
Learn More 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 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.
Bexley is working to become a SolSmart designated community by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.
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.
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
For information on consumer protection issues related to solar PV, please review this fact sheet from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Ohio Solar Access Easement Requirements
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5301.63
Process for Easements in Ohio
https://www.caionline.org/Advocacy/Priorities/SolarRestrictions/Pages/OH.aspx
Investigate your property’s solar potential by clicking here. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.
Solar Permitting and Inspection Process
Checklist Requirements for Solar Panels not Facing the Street
- Complete MA #2 (Minor Architecture) 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 and worksheets showing configuration
- Obtain Engineer's Stamp
- Receive approval by City's Plans Examiner
Checklist Requirements for Solar Panels Facing the Street
- Complete ARB Application
- Site Plan with aerial view of panel location
- Present to the application to the ARB for approval
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 and worksheets showing configuration
- Obtain Engineer's Stamp
- Receive approval by City's Plans Examiner