Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkshire, OH (2024 Update)
- Berkshire Solar Installation Cost: $18,184
- 25-Year Savings: $21,950
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkshire
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Berkshire.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berkshire, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Berkshire, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,184, or $26,003 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Berkshire 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.Even with the large initial cost, the average Berkshire homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkshire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,694 |
| 3 years | $-13,715 |
| 5 years | $-10,735 |
| 7 years | $-7,756 |
| 9 years | $-4,776 |
| 11 years | $-1,797 |
| 13 years | $1,182 |
| 15 years | $4,162 |
| 17 years | $7,141 |
| 19 years | $10,121 |
| 21 years | $13,100 |
| 23 years | $16,079 |
| 25 years | $19,059 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkshire
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Berkshire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkshire
For many Berkshire homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berkshire, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in Berkshire.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Berkshire homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Berkshire’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $13,145 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $17,909 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $22,864 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $28,009 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $33,346 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $38,874 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $44,592 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $50,502 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Berkshire, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkshire?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Berkshire?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Berkshire. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.