Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleves, OH (2023 Update)
- Cleves Solar Installation Cost: $13,240
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleves
We break down average solar pricing in Cleves.
In Cleves, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,243 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 may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cleves find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cleves
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,159 |
| 3 years | $-12,998 |
| 5 years | $-12,837 |
| 7 years | $-12,676 |
| 9 years | $-12,514 |
| 11 years | $-12,353 |
| 13 years | $-12,192 |
| 15 years | $-12,031 |
| 17 years | $-11,869 |
| 19 years | $-11,708 |
| 21 years | $-11,547 |
| 23 years | $-11,386 |
| 25 years | $-11,224 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleves
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Cleves
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleves
The cost of installing a solar system in Cleves can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, 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. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cleves average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cleves is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $8,461 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,568 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,818 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,212 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,749 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,430 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,253 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,221 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Cleves, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cleves?
The average cost of solar panels in Cleves 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cleves?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good 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 power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.