Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, NJ (2023 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $9,036
- 25-Year Savings: $13,725
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Berlin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berlin it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Berlin is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,036 for a solar installation, or $12,921 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berlin find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote 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 | $-8,125 |
| 3 years | $-6,304 |
| 5 years | $-4,484 |
| 7 years | $-2,663 |
| 9 years | $-842 |
| 11 years | $979 |
| 13 years | $2,800 |
| 15 years | $4,621 |
| 17 years | $6,442 |
| 19 years | $8,262 |
| 21 years | $10,083 |
| 23 years | $11,904 |
| 25 years | $13,725 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Berlin, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berlin to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Berlin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,217 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,266 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,470 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $35,830 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $42,344 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $49,014 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $55,839 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $62,819 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Berlin, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Berlin, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berlin?
The average cost of solar panels in Berlin 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Berlin?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.