Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, TX (2024 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $17,903
- 25-Year Savings: $24,264
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cleveland.
In Cleveland, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Cleveland is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,903 for a solar installation, or $25,601 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cleveland find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Cleveland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,605 |
| 3 years | $-14,008 |
| 5 years | $-11,411 |
| 7 years | $-8,813 |
| 9 years | $-6,216 |
| 11 years | $-3,619 |
| 13 years | $-1,022 |
| 15 years | $1,575 |
| 17 years | $4,172 |
| 19 years | $6,769 |
| 21 years | $9,367 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $14,561 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cleveland:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland
For many Cleveland homeowners, the decision to install solar panels 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 a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cleveland, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cleveland to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cleveland is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Cleveland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $15,708 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,316 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,112 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,093 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $39,262 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $45,616 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $52,158 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $58,885 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Cleveland, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cleveland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.