Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, GA (2024 Update)

  • Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $17,853
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,987
  • Payback Period: 12.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cleveland.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cleveland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cleveland, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,853, or $25,530 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cleveland homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Cleveland homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Cleveland for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Cleveland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,259
3 years $-13,073
5 years $-9,887
7 years $-6,700
9 years $-3,514
11 years $-327
13 years $2,859
15 years $6,046
17 years $9,232
19 years $12,419
21 years $15,605
23 years $18,792
25 years $21,978

Top Solar Installers in Cleveland

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

See all of the solar companies in Cleveland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland

There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Cleveland, one of the most important 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Cleveland provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Cleveland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.89 $16,336 $15,479 12.8 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $21,058 12.6 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $26,846 12.3 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $32,843 12.1 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $39,050 11.8 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $45,466 11.6 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $52,092 11.4 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $58,927 11.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Cleveland, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cleveland?

The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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