Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, MI (2024 Update)

  • Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $17,071
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,305
  • Payback Period: 17.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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.Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $17,071 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Berlin can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Berlin, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Berlin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,678
3 years $-12,894
5 years $-10,109
7 years $-7,324
9 years $-4,540
11 years $-1,755
13 years $1,030
15 years $3,814
17 years $6,599
19 years $9,384
21 years $12,168
23 years $14,953
25 years $17,738

Top Solar Installers in Berlin

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Berlin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin

Though the average cost of a solar system in Berlin is $17,071, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Berlin.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Berlin, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Berlin know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $4.22 $17,734 $7,358 17.7 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $10,265 17.3 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $13,400 17.0 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $16,762 16.6 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $20,352 16.3 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $24,168 16.0 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $28,213 15.6 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $32,484 15.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Berlin, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berlin?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Berlin?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Berlin, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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