Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, MA (2024 Update)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $16,942
- Payback Period: 11.9 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.
The average cost of solar panels in Berkley is 4 per watt.The average Berkley homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,302 with the federal tax credit, or $17,592 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Berkley homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,579 |
| 3 years | $-7,132 |
| 5 years | $-3,685 |
| 7 years | $-238 |
| 9 years | $3,209 |
| 11 years | $6,656 |
| 13 years | $10,103 |
| 15 years | $13,550 |
| 17 years | $16,996 |
| 19 years | $20,443 |
| 21 years | $23,890 |
| 23 years | $27,337 |
| 25 years | $30,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Berkley:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Berkley is $12,302, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Berkley average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Berkley, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Berkley, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Berkley know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $18,097 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,583 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,298 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,239 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,408 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $52,805 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $60,428 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $68,279 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Berkley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkley?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkley is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Berkley?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 install 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.