Hamilton County offers a Home Improvement Program for homeowners who want to make energy efficient improvements on their homes, including adding solar panels. The loans are offered at a low interest of 3 percent below the market interest rate with terms up to five years. To qualify, the properties cannot be assessed at a value greater than $350,000.

The Ohio Eco-Link program offers another financing opportunity to Ohio residents. Like the Home Improvement Program, the ECO-Link program offers financing at 3 percent below the market rate with loans up to $25,000.

Finally, if you do decide to install solar, you may also be able to take advantage of the federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of solar panels installed on primary and secondary U.S. homes. To be sure whether or not you would qualify, check with your tax advisor. If you do qualify, you can take advantage of the credit through 2016.