Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, OH (2023 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $17,353
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
Let's take 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 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cleveland, the average price of going solar will be about $14,121 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Cleveland for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,862 |
| 3 years | $-10,344 |
| 5 years | $-7,826 |
| 7 years | $-5,308 |
| 9 years | $-2,790 |
| 11 years | $-273 |
| 13 years | $2,245 |
| 15 years | $4,763 |
| 17 years | $7,281 |
| 19 years | $9,799 |
| 21 years | $12,317 |
| 23 years | $14,835 |
| 25 years | $17,353 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Cleveland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cleveland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cleveland, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $12,791 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,342 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,036 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,873 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,853 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $36,977 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,244 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $47,655 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cleveland, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels 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 going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.