Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, TX (2023 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $14,461
- 25-Year Savings: $24,266
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cleveland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cleveland it's 2.69 per watt. The average Cleveland homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,461 with the federal tax credit, or $20,679 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cleveland find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized 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 | $-12,912 |
| 3 years | $-9,814 |
| 5 years | $-6,716 |
| 7 years | $-3,618 |
| 9 years | $-520 |
| 11 years | $2,578 |
| 13 years | $5,677 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $11,873 |
| 19 years | $14,971 |
| 21 years | $18,069 |
| 23 years | $21,167 |
| 25 years | $24,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland
The cost of installing a solar system in Cleveland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Cleveland. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Cleveland have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Cleveland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,503 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,972 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,592 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,362 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,283 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,354 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,576 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,949 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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
EcoWatch's Cleveland, TX 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 many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Cleveland?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Cleveland?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.