Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkeley, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Berkeley Solar Installation Cost: $8,609
- 25-Year Savings: $8,305
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkeley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Berkeley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berkeley, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $8,609 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Berkeley can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkeley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,933 |
| 3 years | $-6,579 |
| 5 years | $-5,226 |
| 7 years | $-3,873 |
| 9 years | $-2,520 |
| 11 years | $-1,167 |
| 13 years | $186 |
| 15 years | $1,540 |
| 17 years | $2,893 |
| 19 years | $4,246 |
| 21 years | $5,599 |
| 23 years | $6,952 |
| 25 years | $8,305 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkeley
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Berkeley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkeley
For many Berkeley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berkeley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Berkeley average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Berkeley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,772 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,673 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,729 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,940 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,307 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,828 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,504 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,336 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Berkeley, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkeley?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkeley is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Berkeley?
Solar panels can be a great 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 electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.