Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, MI (2023 Update)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $12,151
- 25-Year Savings: $12,969
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Berkley.
In Berkley, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Berkley, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,156, or $17,383 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Berkley can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Berkley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,758 |
| 3 years | $-7,974 |
| 5 years | $-5,189 |
| 7 years | $-2,404 |
| 9 years | $380 |
| 11 years | $3,165 |
| 13 years | $5,950 |
| 15 years | $8,734 |
| 17 years | $11,519 |
| 19 years | $14,304 |
| 21 years | $17,088 |
| 23 years | $19,873 |
| 25 years | $22,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Berkley, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Berkley is $12,156, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berkley to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Berkley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
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 hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Berkley know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 large number of companies to choose from in Berkley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkley is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berkley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Berkley. However, you may still be able to afford 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need 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 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.