Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, MA (2023 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $13,690
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Berlin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berlin it's 2.94 per watt. The average Berlin homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,220 with the federal tax credit, or $13,185 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Berlin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Berlin see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Berlin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,303 |
| 3 years | $-6,471 |
| 5 years | $-4,638 |
| 7 years | $-2,805 |
| 9 years | $-972 |
| 11 years | $861 |
| 13 years | $2,693 |
| 15 years | $4,526 |
| 17 years | $6,359 |
| 19 years | $8,192 |
| 21 years | $10,025 |
| 23 years | $11,857 |
| 25 years | $13,690 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Berlin, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Berlin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess 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 bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Berlin average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Berlin homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Berlin, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $17,856 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $24,137 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $30,583 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $37,194 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $43,969 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $50,909 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $58,013 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $65,282 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Berlin, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berlin?
The average cost of solar panels in Berlin is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Berlin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.