Green Energy

SUSTAINABLE POWER FOR OUR FUTURE

Choosing Clean Energy

 Explore innovative ways to harness clean, renewable power sources and transition towards a more sustainable energy future. Whether you choose renewable power via the Granville Green Electric Aggregation Program or install solar panels on your rooftop, Granville residents are leading efforts to combat climate change while also saving money and building a brighter, greener future. 

Solar array at Granville High School | Photo by Susan King

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN GRANVILLE

Great Options for Green Energy

Granville's Sustainability Committee having a meeting

Opt-in to renewable electric aggregation

CHOOSE TO USE 100% RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY

Both the Village and Township have Community Electric Aggregation Programs. In these programs, the Village and Township are the aggregator that brings a group of customers (i.e. residents) together as one large buying group. Generally, this results in better rates for all the group members as compared to what you would get as an individual customer. You are automatically enrolled in this program. In addition, the Village offers a new "OPT-IN" clean energy program whereby you can opt-in and choose to be part of an aggregation sub-group that not only gets better rates, but also sources its electricity from 100% renewables. If you don't actively enroll, you won't be part of the clean energy program.

Granville residents installing personal solar panels

Generate and use your own green energy

ADD ROOFTOP OR GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR
The last 10 years has seen a boom in residential and commercial solar, including here in Granville. Recent changes to Granville zoning now allows for more applications of solar power. With federal tax incentives and more installation companies competing for your business, the price of solar has never been lower.  Plus, Ohio's net-metering rules allow you to install an array that runs your electric meter backwards when you are producing more power than you are using and draw from the grid when you need more power or at night when your array isn't producing. Solar arrays typically are warrantied for 25-30 years and usually pay themselves off within 10-15 years. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT GOING SOLAR IN GRANVILLE BELOW

SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE & ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Go Solar In Granville

Going solar is easier and more cost-effective than ever, thanks in part to federal tax incentives and improvements in solar technology which have reduced overall costs. 

The first step in going solar is quantifying your current energy use and calculating how much solar you may need to offset that usage. You can start that process by using a free online tool like PVWatts

You can also reach out to a reputable local solar installer who will come out to do a comprehensive analysis of your site and will help you determine what size array will work best for you.

Ohio allows net-metering, which means that you don’t have to cover all your energy usage via solar. You will still be connected to the regular power grid so when the sun isn’t shining you’ll get power from the grid.  When the sun is shining, you’ll use that power directly and then spin your electric meter backwards for any excess power you are producing. 

If you want to be totally off the grid, you’ll need to install a battery system and make sure you have enough solar to cover 100% of your energy needs.

Solar panels at Tracee and Paul's home (Granville residents)

Solar panels on carport on the home of Tracee Laing and Paul Hammond | Photo by Mary Rose O’Brien-Bernini

LOCAL SOLAR REGULATIONS

Village & Township Solar Zoning

solar panel on a resident home in Granville

Village of Granville Solar Ordinance

The Village of Granville passed a solar ordinance in November 2022. It's purpose: to promote a sustainability and establish regulations for the use and operation of solar energy systems within the Village of Granville in all zoning districts. The new ordinance makes it easier to navigate the process for adding solar to residences and businesses while also maintaining the historic character of the Village. Rooftop solar is a permitted use in all zoning districts while ground-mounted solar arrays are conditional use. Consult the ordinance for more details about design standards for each zoning district.

Solar panel in Granville Township

Granville Township Solar Zoning

Granville Township enacted zoning specific to solar energy systems in 2019. Roof-mounted systems are conditionally allowed in conservation districts and permitted elsewhere. Small-scale ground-mounted system are banned in conservation districts but allowed in other districts with height and placement restrictions. Both systems require detailed site plans and must comply with applicable height, setback, and lot coverage requirements and any changes in system design must be reported to the zoning inspector. Additional rules apply for large-scale solar operations. See Section 1027.12 and Section 1027.13 for details on the Granville Township solar zoning. 

CONSIDERING SOLAR BUT UNSURE WHERE TO START?
Go Green Granville
Solar Consultation

Have questions about how to utilize solar at your home? Go Green Granville volunteer Richard Downs can help. Richard has 45 years of experience in construction, specializing in energy-efficient infrastructure and 12 years of experience as a certified solar electric designer. As a longtime Granville resident, former co-chair of the Granville Solar Co-op and one of Licking County's most knowledgeable and experienced solar experts, Richard is available to answer your questions, review proposals and guide you through the solar installation process. 

contact us at: hello@gogreengranville.org or complete the form below to set up a free consult.

SAVE 30% ON CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS FOR YOUR HOME
Take Advantage Of Tax Incentives

CLEAN ENERGY

30% Federal Tax credit on residential clean energy systems: solar, geothermal, wind, and battery storage

HEAT PUMPS

30% Federal Tax credit up to $2,000 annually for installation of air-sourced heat pumps, biomass furnaces, and heat pump water heaters

ENERGY UPGRADES

30% Federal Tax Credit up to $1,200 per year for energy-efficiency upgrades

EV CHARGING STATION

30% Federal Tax credit up to $1,000 for installation of a home electric vehicle charging station

Drone shot of the solar panel above the Katz family's house (Granville residents)

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Cherry Street Solar

The Katz family installed 12 solar panels on the roof of their Cherry Street home in 2017 and added 3 additional panels in 2019. Their advice to other Granville residents considering solar: "Do it!"  

Size of array: 5.19 kW

Number of solar panels: 15

Percentage of energy generated by solar: 90%

Cost per watt to install: $2.33 pre-tax | $1.63 after tax rebates

ground-mounted array at his Hankinson Street

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Hankinson Rd Solar

Granville Township resident Abram Kaplan first installed a ground-mounted array at his Hankinson Street home in 2014. He later added a second array to power his hobby greenhouse. His advice to other Granville residents considering solar, "It's not hard to install DIY, payback is quick and it's reliable. Just plan carefully and get lots of advice."

Size of array: 10 kW

Number of solar panels: 36

Percentage of energy generated by solar: 95%

Annual electric savings: $3,000

Cost per watt to install: $1.50

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Old Sycamore Lane Solar

In 2020, Ken and Carol Apacki built a new home in Village Roots, a pocket neighborhood of energy-efficient, sustainably-built homes off of West Broadway. Their south-facing, 27-degree pitched garage roof provided a perfect canvas for photovoltaic panels. The sun now powers part of their home energy use and new electric car. While their system is currently tied to the grid, the couple plans to add a battery storage system in the future. 

Number of solar panels: 12

Percentage of energy generated by solar: 25%

Annual electric savings: $3,000

Cost per watt to install: $5.20

Drone photo of the Semer Solar Array on the Semer household

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Granger Street Solar

In 2019, Rick & Karen Semer installed solar panels on the second-story, south-facing roof of their Granger Street Home.  "We did not make this decision based on return on investment; we made the decision to install solar panels to live consistent with our values. Working with Richard Downs (now retired) and Brandon Kinnard was the best contractor experience we’ve ever had."  

Size of array: 4.4 kW

Number of solar panels: 14

Percentage of energy generated by solar:  30-40%  

Cost per watt to install: $2.60

  RENEWABLE ENERGY IN GRANVILLE
Frequently asked questions

How do I source renewable energy for my home?

Ohio has a deregulated retail energy market that allows consumers to shop for their electricity and natural gas suppliers. This means that you can choose where your electricity and gas comes from and the amount of renewable energy it contains.  Energy Choice Ohio maintains an up-to-date tool that allows you to compare energy suppliers and rates. 

How do I find a reputable local solar installer?  

Solar is a big investment and like any project at your home or business you should carefully vet any contractors you hire.  Green Energy Ohio, an Ohio-based non-profit, created a solar ethics pledge for installers.  See the list of installers who have signed the pledge and committed to following all local and state rules while being honest and transparent about the costs and benefits of solar.

Are there programs to help pay for solar panels or other clean energy investments? 

In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law and created a number of financial incentives to help America become more energy efficient and transition toward renewable and clean energy.  For the average homeowner and business owner in Granville there are multiple tax incentives available to you through the IRA. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website is a great resource to track what incentives are available in Ohio.

What are the permit requirements for installing solar panels in the Village of Granville?  

Rooftop solar is a permitted use in all zoning districts while ground-mounted solar arrays are conditional use. In every district, sollar installation requires a Zoning Permit. Consult the Granville Solar Ordinance for more details about design standards and processes for each zoning district. 


Not sure which zoning district you live in? Consult the Village of Granville Zoning Map

Does Village of Granville permit solar panels in the Historic District?

Yes. In the Architectural Review Overlay District you are permitted to install a solar array, but must undergo a design review regarding the location of the panels and views from the public right of way to ensure the installation does not impact the historic character of the district. 


Read Granville's solar ordinance 

Learn more about the Village of Granville Architectural Review Overlay District review process

View the Village of Granville Zoning Map

What are the permit requirements for adding residential solar in Granville Township?

Granville Township's solar regulations are very similar to the Village's.  Both roof and ground mounted arrays are permitted in all zoning districts except in the Conservation District where ground-mounted is not allowed and roof-mounted is conditional.  

Solar array at Denison University Bioreserve | Photo by Susan King