Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkeley, MO (2023 Update)
- Berkeley Solar Installation Cost: $13,108
- 25-Year Savings: $17,451
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkeley
We break down average solar pricing in Berkeley.
In Berkeley, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Berkeley, the average price of going solar will be about $13,108 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Berkeley based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berkeley find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Berkeley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berkeley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,886 |
| 3 years | $-9,441 |
| 5 years | $-6,996 |
| 7 years | $-4,552 |
| 9 years | $-2,107 |
| 11 years | $338 |
| 13 years | $2,782 |
| 15 years | $5,227 |
| 17 years | $7,672 |
| 19 years | $10,116 |
| 21 years | $12,561 |
| 23 years | $15,006 |
| 25 years | $17,451 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkeley
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Berkeley:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Berkeley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkeley
Although the average cost of a solar system in Berkeley is $13,108, your final cost may differ. There are many 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Berkeley, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Berkeley provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Berkeley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Berkeley have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 help you save 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $14,040 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,010 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $24,125 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $29,385 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $34,790 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $40,340 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $46,035 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $51,875 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Berkeley, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berkeley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Berkeley is currently $84,292, which means you can expect a value of about $3,456 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Berkeley is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.