Ohio Solar Interconnection

What Interconnection Means

Interconnection is the utility’s process for approving a parallel generator on its distribution system — application, screens, agreement, inspection or witness test as required, meter work, and Permission to Operate (PTO). It is separate from city building and electrical permits, and separate from SREC registration.

PUCO Chapter 4901:1-22 Level rules apply to PUCO-regulated electric distribution utilities (EDUs). They do not automatically apply to municipal utilities or electric cooperatives, which set their own interconnection processes. Your serving utility’s tariff and portal still control the forms, fees, and timelines you actually experience. Map your bill to the right company on Ohio solar utilities.

Level 1 Review (Most Residential Systems)

Under OAC 4901:1-22-06 (effective July 20, 2026), Level 1 applies when the distributed energy resource:

• Uses inverter-based equipment certified to the IEEE and UL standards named in OAC 4901:1-22-03 — including IEEE 1547-2018 and UL 1741-SB, with the applicable NEC as adopted by the AHJ; and
• Has an export capacity of 25 kW or less.

If the screening criteria in the rule are met, the EDU performs no further interconnection study for that application. After a complete short-form application, the utility has 21 calendar days (30 for hybrid facilities) to notify results. If screens pass, a standard interconnection agreement follows within 10 calendar days. The Level 1 tariff fee may not exceed $50 and may be waived.

Larger projects move to Level 2 or Level 3 with longer study paths. Most single-family rooftop arrays Solar Brokers sees are designed to stay on the Level 1 path when export capacity allows.

Utility Portals and Example Fees

Each EDU publishes its own application system. Examples from live utility materials we review with homeowners:

• AES Ohio — online interconnection portal; Level 1 listed at $50 for systems 25 kW or less; Level 2 and Level 3 use the tariff’s $/kW structure; AES also notes a $95 fee to upgrade to a bidirectional residential meter when applicable.
• AEP Ohio — see AEP Ohio solar and AEP Ohio net metering.
• Duke Energy Ohio — Duke Energy Ohio solar.
• FirstEnergy Ohio — Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, The Illuminating Company.
• Columbus Division of Power — municipal process; Columbus Division of Power solar.

Fees and meter charges change. Confirm the current tariff or portal for your address rather than treating any web page as a forever price list.

Sizing, Net Metering, and the Order of Work

OAC 4901:1-10-28 requires customer-generators (other than hospitals) to size facilities so as not to exceed 120% of the customer’s electricity requirements at interconnection, using recent usage history or a reasonable estimate. That rule sits next to your utility’s credit math — see Ohio net metering.

Typical order: design from usage and roof → city building/electrical permits → utility interconnection application → install → inspections → meter/PTO. City approval does not equal PTO. Guide: Ohio solar permits.

Payment path (cash, loan, PPA, or Propel) does not skip interconnection. Third-party-owned systems still need a complete utility application under the host customer’s account rules.

Ohio Solar Interconnection — FAQs

How long does Level 1 interconnection take in Ohio?

OAC 4901:1-22-06 gives the EDU 21 calendar days after a complete Level 1 application (30 for hybrids) to return screen results, then 10 calendar days for the standard agreement if screens pass. Real calendars also include incomplete applications, meter scheduling, and municipal inspection timing.

What is the Level 1 application fee?

The statewide tariff cap is $50 and may be waived. Individual utilities publish their current charges — AES Ohio lists $50 for Level 1 on its interconnection page as of our September 2026 review.

Is interconnection the same as net metering?

No. Interconnection is permission to operate in parallel. Net metering (or your utility’s export credit rider) is how exports are billed. You generally need both paths complete.

Who files the application?

Usually the installer or developer files with the EDU on behalf of the customer-generator. You still sign agreements and should keep copies.

Sources

• OAC 4901:1-22-06 — Level 1 review procedure
• OAC Chapter 4901:1-22 — interconnection
• OAC 4901:1-10-28 — net metering
• AES Ohio — interconnection applications and fees

Last reviewed: September 2026.