Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, OK (2023 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $15,754
- 25-Year Savings: $22,071
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
We go over average solar pricing in Cleveland.
In Cleveland, solar panels cost about 2.62 per watt on average. The average Cleveland homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,754 with the federal tax credit, or $22,528 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Cleveland homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility 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 Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,241 |
| 3 years | $-11,215 |
| 5 years | $-8,189 |
| 7 years | $-5,163 |
| 9 years | $-2,137 |
| 11 years | $889 |
| 13 years | $3,915 |
| 15 years | $6,941 |
| 17 years | $9,967 |
| 19 years | $12,993 |
| 21 years | $16,019 |
| 23 years | $19,045 |
| 25 years | $22,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Cleveland, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cleveland is $15,754, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,620 per kilowatt in Cleveland. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Cleveland homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Cleveland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $2.72 | $11,444 | $14,966 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.67 | $14,965 | $20,248 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.62 | $18,340 | $25,677 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.57 | $21,568 | $31,253 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.52 | $24,649 | $36,975 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.46 | $27,583 | $42,844 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.41 | $30,371 | $48,860 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.36 | $33,012 | $55,022 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Cleveland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking 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 you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cleveland, OK Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,100 for a 5-kW system and $26,200 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cleveland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 solar panels."
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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.