Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, GA (2023 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $12,172
- 25-Year Savings: $23,987
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
We break down average solar pricing in Cleveland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cleveland it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,174 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cleveland find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,052 |
| 3 years | $-11,811 |
| 5 years | $-11,570 |
| 7 years | $-11,329 |
| 9 years | $-11,088 |
| 11 years | $-10,846 |
| 13 years | $-10,605 |
| 15 years | $-10,364 |
| 17 years | $-10,123 |
| 19 years | $-9,882 |
| 21 years | $-9,641 |
| 23 years | $-9,400 |
| 25 years | $-9,159 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Cleveland:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- 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 many factors that can affect 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 panel 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 mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cleveland is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $20,677 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,855 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $35,176 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,639 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $50,245 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $57,995 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,887 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $73,921 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Cleveland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- 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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cleveland?
Solar panels aren't free in Cleveland, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Cleveland?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 larger amount 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.