Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, MA (2023 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $9,215
- 25-Year Savings: $13,695
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar 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 solar panel system size in Berlin is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,220 for a solar installation, or $13,185 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Berlin homeowners. 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. Despite the large initial cost, the average Berlin homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Berlin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,492 |
| 3 years | $-4,045 |
| 5 years | $-598 |
| 7 years | $2,849 |
| 9 years | $6,296 |
| 11 years | $9,742 |
| 13 years | $13,189 |
| 15 years | $16,636 |
| 17 years | $20,083 |
| 19 years | $23,530 |
| 21 years | $26,977 |
| 23 years | $30,424 |
| 25 years | $33,871 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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
See all of the solar companies in Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
Although the average cost of a solar system in Berlin is $9,220, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,940 per kilowatt in Berlin. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Berlin is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are a lot of companies available in Berlin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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
How much does it cost to install 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 actual 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 attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 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.