Game-Changer: Ohio Unlocks Millions of Acres for Renewable Energy With Landmark 2025 Law—Here’s What’s Next
Ohio’s sweeping new law opens brownfields and coal mines for solar power, offering tax breaks and up to $10 million in clean energy grants.
- 600,000+ acres of Ohio brownfields/minelands now viable for solar.
- $10 million max grants for site cleanup and solar development.
- 34 counties previously blocked solar; restrictions are shifting.
- Full property tax exemptions on verified solar brownfield projects.
A wave of optimism is sweeping through Ohio’s clean energy sector after Governor Mike DeWine approved a bold, tech-neutral energy bill in May 2025. The new law, while designed to bolster gas and nuclear facilities, contains powerful incentives for renewable power—potentially flipping the script on how the state powers its future.
Previously, local opposition and restrictive laws helped keep almost 40% of Ohio’s counties off-limits to large solar installations. Projects that did try to set up faced layers of red tape from county officials and the Ohio Power Siting Board. That’s all about to change.
Solar industry leaders and environmental groups like The Nature Conservancy and Canary Media say these reforms could drive a surge of solar development—especially on Ohio’s “brownfields” and minelands. These are properties once used for heavy industry and mining, now sitting idle but loaded with potential.
Why Is This Law So Different From Past Ohio Energy Policies?
For years, Ohio prioritized traditional fuels and local control, leaving solar power on the sidelines. The new law marks a sweeping departure by offering:
- Property tax exemptions for solar projects on brownfields and old coal mines
- Potential grants up to $10 million to clean up and prep these neglected sites
- Relaxed rules for microgrids—letting neighbors share solar power generated off-site
Unlike farmland, which often draws fierce opposition when slated for solar, these abandoned sites are already equipped with infrastructure like roads and power lines, making solar builds faster and less controversial.
How Will Ohio’s Solar Growth Impact Communities and the Economy?
Solar advocates call this a smart economic move. Cleaning up eyesores and generating power could boost jobs, tax revenues, and local pride. Analysts estimate more than 600,000 acres—roughly the size of Rhode Island—could become solar hotspots in Ohio.
Tapping former industrial lands for solar energy is a win-win: it speeds the shift away from polluting plants while revitalizing blighted communities. Local business groups anticipate thousands of new jobs as solar installs accelerate through 2025 and beyond.
Q&A: What’s Next for Ohio’s Clean Energy Revolution?
Q: Are there still barriers?
Yes. Policy gaps and local reluctance remain. Developers must work closely with authorities and communities to win final approval and clear up any lingering red tape.
Q: Which sites are “brownfields”?
Brownfields are old industrial or mining sites, not actively used but often well-connected to highways and grid lines—ideal for solar.
Q: What industries or residents benefit most?
Areas hit by industrial decline stand to benefit most—transforming liabilities into valuable local energy sources and jobs.
How to Launch a Solar Project on Brownfields in Ohio
- Identify eligible land—check official brownfield/mineland registries.
- Apply for cleanup grants—worth up to $10 million per project.
- File property tax exemption paperwork for solar buildouts.
- Coordinate with local officials to fast-track permitting.
- Partner with energy experts, like SEIA, for project guidance.
Related Resources
Ready to see clean energy power your community? Follow the checklist below to turn Ohio’s new law into a winning opportunity for your town—and the planet.
Action Checklist: Ohio’s Clean Energy Opportunity 2025
- Scout local brownfields with energy potential
- Apply for state grants and tax breaks ASAP
- Consult clean energy groups for best practices
- Share project successes to inspire other counties
- Subscribe to local and national clean energy news for updates
Ohio’s clean energy spring is here. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the transformation—for your wallet, your neighborhood, and the planet.