Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkeley, NJ (2024 Update)
- Berkeley Solar Installation Cost: $10,964
- 25-Year Savings: $8,311
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkeley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Berkeley.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Berkeley is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $10,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Berkeley homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Berkeley can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkeley
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-9,843 |
3 years | $-7,599 |
5 years | $-5,355 |
7 years | $-3,111 |
9 years | $-867 |
11 years | $1,377 |
13 years | $3,620 |
15 years | $5,864 |
17 years | $8,108 |
19 years | $10,352 |
21 years | $12,596 |
23 years | $14,839 |
25 years | $17,083 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkeley
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Berkeley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkeley
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Berkeley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Berkeley, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce 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 adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Berkeley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.67 | $15,419 | $7,452 | 16.9 years |
8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,332 | 16.5 years |
10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,409 | 16.2 years |
12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,684 | 15.9 years |
14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,156 | 15.6 years |
16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,827 | 15.2 years |
18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,695 | 14.9 years |
20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $31,760 | 14.6 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:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Berkeley, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berkeley?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Berkeley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value 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."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.