Solar resource
Your solar production in Cleveland
4.4 avg peak sun hours/day
Monthly avg solar radiation (kWh/m²/day) — Cleveland, OH. Bars update to show estimated kWh production when you use the calculator above.
Utility rate
The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) electricity rate
$0.158/kWh residential
- Utility
- The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy)
- Residential rate
- $0.158/kWh (blended)
Cleveland is a moderate-savings Ohio solar market. The Illuminating Company customers can interconnect rooftop solar and receive bill credit treatment under Ohio rules, but the real differentiator versus stronger East Coast markets is that Ohio SREC economics exist only as a small-tier, limited-upside layer.
Affiliate slot
Ready to go solar?
Compare quotes from vetted Cleveland solar installers — no obligation, no sign-up required to see prices.
Incentives
Available solar incentives in Cleveland, OH
Federal + state + utility
| Incentive | Type | Value | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | Tax Credit | 30% of system cost | Federal |
| Ohio SREC market | Srec | Eligible systems can generate Ohio SRECs, but market depth and pricing are limited | State |
| FirstEnergy / Illuminating Company net metering / interconnection | Net Metering | Residential interconnection with customer bill-credit treatment under Ohio regulatory rules | Utility |
Incentive amounts and eligibility rules change. Verify current terms with your installer and a tax professional before installation.
System cost
Cost breakdown (6 kW default)
- Gross system cost
- $22720
- Federal ITC (30%)
- −$6816
- Net system cost
- $15,904
- Installed cost per watt
- $2.84/W
Great Lakes / Mid-Atlantic residential benchmark used for educational modeling; utility bill offset uses interpolated local residential rates.
Payback & long-term value
25-year outlook
- Annual savings (yr 1)
- $1,554
- Simple payback period
- 10.2 years
- 25-year net savings
- $37177
- Assumed annual rate increase
- 2.5%/year
25-year estimate uses flat electricity rate for conservative baseline. Accounting for 2.5% annual rate increases, lifetime savings increase substantially.
Affiliate slot
Shop solar equipment
Browse solar panels, inverters, and mounting hardware for DIY or installer supply purchases.
How it works
How solar savings work in Cleveland
- Cleveland has usable but not elite solar resource The modeled Cleveland profile uses about 4.40 peak sun hours per day and roughly 9,838 kWh per year from a standard 8 kW roof-mount system.
- Great Lakes winters suppress output hard Cleveland summer production is respectable, but lake-effect cloud cover and short winter days are why annual sizing matters more than a single-month bill snapshot.
- Retail bill offset drives most of the value At a modeled Illuminating Company bill-impact rate near 15.8¢/kWh, first-year savings come mainly from direct household usage rather than from premium incentive stacking.
- Net metering still helps exported energy retain value Cleveland homeowners do not need to rely purely on a weak export structure, but they also should not expect the kind of premium incentive stack found in top-tier solar states.
- Ohio SRECs are secondary upside only Ohio still offers a small-tier SREC angle, but it should be treated as bonus economics rather than the core Cleveland payback driver.
- The federal ITC is what pulls payback into a reasonable band Without the 30% federal tax credit, Cleveland solar works much less cleanly. With it, a right-sized system remains viable for homeowners with decent roof exposure.
FAQ
Common solar savings questions for Cleveland, OH
How much can I save with solar in Cleveland, OH?
The modeled 8 kW Cleveland system produces about 9,838 kWh per year and saves roughly $1,554 per year at an interpolated Illuminating Company bill-impact rate near $0.158/kWh. Post-ITC simple payback is about 10.2 years.
Does The Illuminating Company allow rooftop solar?
Yes. Cleveland homeowners can interconnect residential solar with The Illuminating Company under FirstEnergy / Ohio utility rules, subject to the normal application and approval steps.
Does Ohio still have SRECs?
Yes, but this is a small-tier market. Ohio SRECs exist, yet the pricing and demand profile are much weaker than in premium northeastern SREC states.
Is Cleveland a good solar market?
It is a workable but moderate market. The economics depend mainly on self-consumption, the federal ITC, and stable household usage rather than on a massive local incentive stack.
How many solar panels does a Cleveland home need?
Many Cleveland homes land in the 6–9 kW range, which is often around 16–24 panels depending on wattage. Because winter production is weak, size from annual consumption.
Do I need permits for solar in Cleveland?
Yes. Cleveland treats solar installations as exterior alterations requiring building permit and zoning review. If you are also adding a deck, review the Cleveland deck page too.
Sources
Data sources and freshness
- https://developer.nrel.gov/docs/solar/pvwatts/v8/
- https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/building-housing/divisions/permits/solar-panel-permits
- https://www.firstenergycorp.com/
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics
- https://dsireusa.org/
Related tools
More free homeowner tools
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only — not financial or investment advice. Solar savings depend on actual shading, roof orientation, energy usage patterns, rate changes, and equipment performance. Consult a licensed installer and a tax professional before making purchasing decisions. Verify incentive eligibility with official sources. Data last verified 2026-04-19.