Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, MS (2024 Update)

  • Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $18,619
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,957
  • Payback Period: 12.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cleveland.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Cleveland is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cleveland is around 8.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,619 for a solar installation, or $26,625 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Cleveland homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Cleveland for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Cleveland

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-17,252
3 years$-14,517
5 years$-11,782
7 years$-9,047
9 years$-6,312
11 years$-3,577
13 years$-842
15 years$1,893
17 years$4,627
19 years$7,362
21 years$10,097
23 years$12,832
25 years$15,567

Top Solar Installers in Cleveland

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Cleveland:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Cleveland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cleveland homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Cleveland, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.27$13,716$13,63312.5 years
8 kW$3.20$17,936$18,52912.3 years
10 kW$3.14$21,980$23,60112.1 years
12 kW$3.08$25,848$28,84911.8 years
14 kW$3.01$29,541$34,27211.6 years
16 kW$2.95$33,058$39,87211.3 years
18 kW$2.89$36,399$45,64711.1 years
20 kW$2.83$39,564$51,59810.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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, MS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?

The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Cleveland?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Cleveland. 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.

Does Cleveland have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.