Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland Heights, OH (2024 Update)

  • Cleveland Heights Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,333
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Heights

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cleveland Heights.

The average cost of a solar system in Cleveland Heights is 3 per watt.The average Cleveland Heights homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,803 with the federal tax credit, or $26,888 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Cleveland Heights homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cleveland Heights

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,549
3 years $-15,041
5 years $-12,534
7 years $-10,026
9 years $-7,518
11 years $-5,011
13 years $-2,503
15 years $4
17 years $2,512
19 years $5,020
21 years $7,527
23 years $10,035
25 years $12,542

Top Solar Installers in Cleveland Heights

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. 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 providing warranties and repairs.

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

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Cleveland Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cleveland Heights

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cleveland Heights is $18,803, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 $3,410. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cleveland Heights, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cleveland Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cleveland Heights homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cleveland Heights is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.55 $14,895 $8,298 16.1 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $11,446 15.7 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $14,784 15.4 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $18,314 15.1 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $22,035 14.8 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $25,947 14.5 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $30,049 14.2 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $34,343 13.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Cleveland Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-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.

Are solar panels free in Cleveland Heights?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Cleveland Heights. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Cleveland Heights have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.

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