Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, CO (2024 Update)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $14,371
- 25-Year Savings: $15,759
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkley
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Berkley.
In Berkley, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Berkley, the average price of going solar will be about $14,371 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Berkley depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,403 |
| 3 years | $-11,466 |
| 5 years | $-9,530 |
| 7 years | $-7,594 |
| 9 years | $-5,658 |
| 11 years | $-3,722 |
| 13 years | $-1,785 |
| 15 years | $151 |
| 17 years | $2,087 |
| 19 years | $4,023 |
| 21 years | $5,960 |
| 23 years | $7,896 |
| 25 years | $9,832 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Berkley, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Berkley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkley
For many Berkley homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berkley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Berkley, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $12,244 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,771 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,521 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,494 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,689 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $37,108 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,750 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,614 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Berkley, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berkley?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkley is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
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 $987.62 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.