Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, MD (Mar 2023)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $9,889
- 25-Year Savings: $15,393
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Berlin.
In Berlin, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Because a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Berlin, the average price of going solar will be about $9,889 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berlin find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,878 |
| 3 years | $-6,855 |
| 5 years | $-4,833 |
| 7 years | $-2,810 |
| 9 years | $-787 |
| 11 years | $1,235 |
| 13 years | $3,258 |
| 15 years | $5,280 |
| 17 years | $7,303 |
| 19 years | $9,325 |
| 21 years | $11,348 |
| 23 years | $13,370 |
| 25 years | $15,393 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Berlin:
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 Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Berlin, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Berlin homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Berlin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $17,616 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,798 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $30,135 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $36,627 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $43,275 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $50,078 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $57,035 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $64,148 | 8.8 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: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-running 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Berlin, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berlin?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Berlin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $990.50 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.