Best 3 Solar Companies in Cleveland, OH

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cleveland

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Consider all of these elements in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Ohio may require a solar installer to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For home solar panel installations, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers offer these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Cleveland. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Cleveland solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Cleveland

Choosing the ideal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Cleveland.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.