Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Cleveland, OH (2024 Update)
- East Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
- 25-Year Savings: $16,077
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Cleveland
See how much it might cost to go solar in East Cleveland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Cleveland generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in East Cleveland, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,803, or $26,888 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of East Cleveland homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in East Cleveland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,549 |
| 3 years | $-15,041 |
| 5 years | $-12,534 |
| 7 years | $-10,026 |
| 9 years | $-7,518 |
| 11 years | $-5,011 |
| 13 years | $-2,503 |
| 15 years | $4 |
| 17 years | $2,512 |
| 19 years | $5,020 |
| 21 years | $7,527 |
| 23 years | $10,035 |
| 25 years | $12,542 |
Top Solar Installers in East Cleveland
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in East Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Cleveland
Even though the average cost of a solar system in East Cleveland is $18,803, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East Cleveland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in East Cleveland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,103 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,186 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,460 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,925 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,580 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,427 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,465 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,693 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in East Cleveland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's East Cleveland, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Cleveland?
The average cost of solar panels in East Cleveland is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.