Ohio Code § 1551.20

§ 1551.20.

(A) As used in this section, “ solar or wind energy system ” means any method used directly to provide space heating or cooling, hot water, industrial

process heat, or mechanical or electric power by the collection, conversion, or storage

of solar or wind energy including, but not limited to, active or passive solar systems.  It does not include any equipment that is part of a conventional system for such

purposes, that is, a system that does not use solar or wind energy;  nor does it include

a roof or any windows or walls that would be contained in a similar structure not

designed or modified to use solar energy for space heating or cooling, except for

those modifications to the design or construction of such roof, windows, or walls

that are necessary to their improved use to capture solar energy for space heating

or cooling. As used in this section, “ hydrothermal energy system ” means any method used directly to provide a heating or cooling effect by causing

a thermal exchange with the earth utilizing any water source, including ground or

surface water by use of appropriate heat exchange equipment. (B) The director of development shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of

the Revised Code establishing guidelines for identifying solar, wind, or hydrothermal

energy systems and components thereof, and guidelines for the safety and thermal efficiency

of such systems.  The rules shall distinguish such systems from conventional systems and components

thereof, and shall distinguish from conventional roof, window, or wall design or construction

those modifications to the design or construction of roofs, windows, or walls that

are necessary to their improved use to capture solar energy for space heating or cooling.  The rules shall determine the eligibility of solar, wind, and hydrothermal energy

systems for the tax exemption under section 5709.53 of the Revised Code . (C) At the request of any person who designs, manufactures, installs, or constructs solar,

wind, or hydrothermal energy systems, the director shall review the detailed construction

plans and design calculations for any such system to determine whether the system

complies with the guidelines adopted under division (B) of this section.  If the system complies with the guidelines, the director shall enter the name of

the system on a list of solar, wind, or hydrothermal energy systems eligible for the

tax exemption under section 5709.53 of the Revised Code . (D) At the request of any person who desires to design or install a solar, wind, or hydrothermal

energy system for his own use, the director shall review the plans for or a narrative

description of the system, and the list of components and materials to be incorporated

therein to determine whether the system complies with the guidelines adopted under

division (B) of this section.  If the system complies, the director shall issue a certificate to that effect to

the applicant.