Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland Heights, OH (2023 Update)
- Cleveland Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $16,328
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Cleveland Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cleveland Heights it's 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cleveland Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $14,121 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,903 |
| 3 years | $-10,467 |
| 5 years | $-8,031 |
| 7 years | $-5,595 |
| 9 years | $-3,159 |
| 11 years | $-724 |
| 13 years | $1,712 |
| 15 years | $4,148 |
| 17 years | $6,584 |
| 19 years | $9,020 |
| 21 years | $11,456 |
| 23 years | $13,892 |
| 25 years | $16,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland Heights
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland Heights
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Cleveland Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cleveland Heights, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cleveland Heights, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $12,011 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,301 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,734 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $25,311 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $30,032 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $34,895 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $39,902 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $45,053 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cleveland Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland Heights is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cleveland Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.