Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, MD (2024 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $12,650
- 25-Year Savings: $15,384
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Berlin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berlin it’s 4 per watt.The average Berlin homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,650 with the federal tax credit, or $18,090 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Berlin depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Berlin homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-10,937 |
3 years | $-7,511 |
5 years | $-4,085 |
7 years | $-659 |
9 years | $2,767 |
11 years | $6,193 |
13 years | $9,618 |
15 years | $13,044 |
17 years | $16,470 |
19 years | $19,896 |
21 years | $23,322 |
23 years | $26,748 |
25 years | $30,174 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
While the average cost of a solar system in Berlin is $12,650, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,540. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking 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 installers in Berlin have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total 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 choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Berlin, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $14,252 | 13.0 years |
8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $19,400 | 12.8 years |
10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $24,745 | 12.5 years |
12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $30,289 | 12.3 years |
14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $36,031 | 12.0 years |
16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $41,971 | 11.8 years |
18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $48,109 | 11.5 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $54,446 | 11.3 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Berlin, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berlin?
The average cost of solar panels in Berlin is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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% with a solar installation."
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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.