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.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $12,302 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Berkley, you can click the button below.
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 difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Berkley:
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 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
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Berkley provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Berkley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Berkley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 many companies to choose from 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 power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berkley?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Berkley have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.