Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, MI (Mar 2023)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $12,964
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Berkley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berkley typically cost around 2.81. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Berkley, the average price of going solar will be about $12,156 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Berkley homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,151 |
| 3 years | $-9,142 |
| 5 years | $-7,132 |
| 7 years | $-5,123 |
| 9 years | $-3,113 |
| 11 years | $-1,103 |
| 13 years | $906 |
| 15 years | $2,916 |
| 17 years | $4,925 |
| 19 years | $6,935 |
| 21 years | $8,945 |
| 23 years | $10,954 |
| 25 years | $12,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Berkley, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
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 $12,156, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Berkley is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,125 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,481 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,995 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,666 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,494 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,480 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,623 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,924 | 10.9 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 select 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 locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Berkley, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkley?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Berkley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Berkley. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Berkley?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.