Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shaker Heights, OH (2023 Update)
- Shaker Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $16,072
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shaker Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Shaker Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shaker Heights generally cost about 2.56. The average Shaker Heights homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,121 with the federal tax credit, or $20,193 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Shaker Heights see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shaker Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,913 |
| 3 years | $-10,498 |
| 5 years | $-8,082 |
| 7 years | $-5,667 |
| 9 years | $-3,251 |
| 11 years | $-836 |
| 13 years | $1,579 |
| 15 years | $3,995 |
| 17 years | $6,410 |
| 19 years | $8,826 |
| 21 years | $11,241 |
| 23 years | $13,657 |
| 25 years | $16,072 |
Top Solar Installers in Shaker Heights
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Shaker Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shaker Heights
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Shaker Heights, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Shaker Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shaker Heights to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,816 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,041 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,410 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,922 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,577 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $34,376 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $39,318 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $44,403 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Shaker Heights, 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: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Shaker Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shaker Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Shaker 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Shaker Heights?
You can't get solar panels for free in Shaker Heights. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.