Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eastlake, OH (2023 Update)
- Eastlake Solar Installation Cost: $13,978
- 25-Year Savings: $13,402
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eastlake
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Eastlake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Eastlake it's 2.56 per watt. The average Eastlake homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,978 with the federal tax credit, or $19,989 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Eastlake find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Eastlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,882 |
| 3 years | $-10,692 |
| 5 years | $-8,502 |
| 7 years | $-6,311 |
| 9 years | $-4,121 |
| 11 years | $-1,930 |
| 13 years | $260 |
| 15 years | $2,450 |
| 17 years | $4,641 |
| 19 years | $6,831 |
| 21 years | $9,022 |
| 23 years | $11,212 |
| 25 years | $13,402 |
Top Solar Installers in Eastlake
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Eastlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eastlake
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Eastlake. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Eastlake to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When figuring 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Eastlake, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,871 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,448 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,168 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $21,032 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $25,039 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $29,189 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $33,483 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $37,920 | 11.5 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 selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Eastlake, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eastlake?
The average cost of solar panels in Eastlake 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Eastlake?
A solar panel system isn't free in Eastlake, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 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.