Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, MA (Feb 2023)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $8,911
- 25-Year Savings: $16,939
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkley
See how much it might cost to go solar in Berkley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berkley it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.3 would cost about $8,911 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Berkley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berkley find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Berkley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,877 |
| 3 years | $-5,809 |
| 5 years | $-3,741 |
| 7 years | $-1,673 |
| 9 years | $395 |
| 11 years | $2,463 |
| 13 years | $4,531 |
| 15 years | $6,599 |
| 17 years | $8,667 |
| 19 years | $10,735 |
| 21 years | $12,803 |
| 23 years | $14,871 |
| 25 years | $16,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Berkley, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $8,911, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Berkley provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Berkley, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 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: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Berkley?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.