Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eastlake, OH (2024 Update)

  • Eastlake Solar Installation Cost: $18,626
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,719
  • Payback Period: 17.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eastlake

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Eastlake.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Eastlake, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Eastlake, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,626, or $26,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Eastlake find going solar can be quite rewarding.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Eastlake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,372
3 years $-14,865
5 years $-12,357
7 years $-9,849
9 years $-7,342
11 years $-4,834
13 years $-2,327
15 years $181
17 years $2,689
19 years $5,196
21 years $7,704
23 years $10,211
25 years $12,719

Top Solar Installers in Eastlake

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you're looking for a solar company in Eastlake, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Eastlake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eastlake

While the average cost of a solar system in Eastlake is $18,626, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Eastlake, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Eastlake, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Eastlake to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Eastlake homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Eastlake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $3.55 $14,895 $6,158 17.7 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $8,593 17.3 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $11,218 17.0 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $14,035 16.7 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $17,042 16.3 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $20,240 16.0 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $23,630 15.6 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $27,210 15.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • 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 kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Eastlake, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Eastlake?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Eastlake?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Eastlake, 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.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $701.76 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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.

Follow us