Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, MS (2024 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $18,619
- 25-Year Savings: $22,957
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
Here’s how much it might cost to install 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 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Cleveland, most homeowners require a 8.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,619, or $26,625 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going 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.Even with the high initial cost, the average Cleveland homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,252 |
| 3 years | $-14,517 |
| 5 years | $-11,782 |
| 7 years | $-9,047 |
| 9 years | $-6,312 |
| 11 years | $-3,577 |
| 13 years | $-842 |
| 15 years | $1,893 |
| 17 years | $4,627 |
| 19 years | $7,362 |
| 21 years | $10,097 |
| 23 years | $12,832 |
| 25 years | $15,567 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 typically 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 cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cleveland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.27 | $13,716 | $13,633 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $18,529 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $23,601 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $28,849 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $34,272 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $39,872 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $45,647 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $51,598 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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, MS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cleveland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cleveland. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Cleveland have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 decreases 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.