Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cleveland, TN (2024 Update)
- Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $19,618
- 25-Year Savings: $9,230
- Payback Period: 21.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cleveland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cleveland it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $19,618 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Cleveland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,061 |
| 3 years | $-14,948 |
| 5 years | $-11,835 |
| 7 years | $-8,722 |
| 9 years | $-5,609 |
| 11 years | $-2,496 |
| 13 years | $617 |
| 15 years | $3,730 |
| 17 years | $6,843 |
| 19 years | $9,956 |
| 21 years | $13,069 |
| 23 years | $16,182 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Cleveland
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cleveland:
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
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $3,580. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Cleveland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Cleveland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to 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 companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $1,895 | 22.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $2,927 | 21.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $4,160 | 21.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $5,594 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $7,228 | 20.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $9,062 | 20.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $11,097 | 19.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $13,333 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs 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 indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cleveland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cleveland is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type 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?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cleveland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate 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 the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.