Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, OH (2024 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
- 25-Year Savings: $17,358
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
We break down average solar pricing in Cleveland.
The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cleveland is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,803 for a solar installation, or $26,888 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cleveland find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,431 |
| 3 years | $-14,687 |
| 5 years | $-11,944 |
| 7 years | $-9,200 |
| 9 years | $-6,457 |
| 11 years | $-3,713 |
| 13 years | $-970 |
| 15 years | $1,774 |
| 17 years | $4,517 |
| 19 years | $7,261 |
| 21 years | $10,004 |
| 23 years | $12,748 |
| 25 years | $15,491 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Cleveland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cleveland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cleveland to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Cleveland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,078 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,486 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,086 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,875 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $23,856 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $28,028 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $32,391 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $36,945 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Cleveland, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cleveland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cleveland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Cleveland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.