Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, OK (2023 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $15,760
- 25-Year Savings: $22,065
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
We break down average solar pricing in Cleveland.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cleveland typically cost around 2.62. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $15,754 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Cleveland homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,551 |
| 3 years | $-12,132 |
| 5 years | $-9,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,296 |
| 9 years | $-4,877 |
| 11 years | $-2,459 |
| 13 years | $-41 |
| 15 years | $2,377 |
| 17 years | $4,796 |
| 19 years | $7,214 |
| 21 years | $9,632 |
| 23 years | $12,051 |
| 25 years | $14,469 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland
For many Cleveland homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cleveland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,620. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cleveland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Cleveland, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cleveland, you'll have lots of 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 numerous companies available in 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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
EcoWatch's Cleveland, OK Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cleveland?
Solar panels aren't free in Cleveland, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
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 $880.34 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.