Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, MS (2023 Update)

  • Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $15,653
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,959
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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

We break down average solar pricing in Cleveland.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cleveland typically cost about 2.64. The average Cleveland homeowner needs a 8.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,653 with the federal tax credit, or $22,384 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cleveland homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cleveland see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cleveland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,108
3 years $-11,019
5 years $-7,930
7 years $-4,841
9 years $-1,752
11 years $1,336
13 years $4,425
15 years $7,514
17 years $10,603
19 years $13,692
21 years $16,781
23 years $19,870
25 years $22,959

Top Solar Installers in Cleveland

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Cleveland:

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Cleveland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Cleveland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cleveland know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.75 $11,532 $15,817 10.5 years
8 kW $2.69 $15,080 $21,385 10.3 years
10 kW $2.64 $18,480 $27,101 10.1 years
12 kW $2.59 $21,732 $32,965 9.9 years
14 kW $2.53 $24,837 $38,976 9.7 years
16 kW $2.48 $27,794 $45,136 9.5 years
18 kW $2.43 $30,603 $51,443 9.3 years
20 kW $2.38 $33,264 $57,898 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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, MS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?

The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is about $13,200 for a 5-kW system and $26,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $911.62 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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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