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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cleveland it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Cleveland, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,903, or $25,601 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Cleveland homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Cleveland for a quote 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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy 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 primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want 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 limited roof space 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise 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.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cleveland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Cleveland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are numerous companies available in Cleveland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,008.43 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.