Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, MA (2023 Update)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $8,908
- 25-Year Savings: $16,942
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Berkley.
The average cost of a solar system in Berkley is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Berkley is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,911 for a solar installation, or $12,743 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Berkley depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Berkley can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,822 |
| 3 years | $-8,650 |
| 5 years | $-8,478 |
| 7 years | $-8,305 |
| 9 years | $-8,133 |
| 11 years | $-7,960 |
| 13 years | $-7,788 |
| 15 years | $-7,616 |
| 17 years | $-7,443 |
| 19 years | $-7,271 |
| 21 years | $-7,099 |
| 23 years | $-6,926 |
| 25 years | $-6,754 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Berkley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkley
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Berkley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,940 per kilowatt in Berkley. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Berkley, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berkley to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Berkley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $22,989 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,981 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,138 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,459 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $55,945 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $64,596 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $73,411 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $82,391 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Berkley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Berkley, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Berkley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Berkley. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Berkley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 take a 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 buy 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.