Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkshire, OH (Mar 2023)
- Berkshire Solar Installation Cost: $13,655
- 25-Year Savings: $21,946
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkshire
We break down average solar pricing in Berkshire.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berkshire typically cost about 2.56. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,655 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berkshire find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkshire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,231 |
| 3 years | $-9,383 |
| 5 years | $-6,535 |
| 7 years | $-3,687 |
| 9 years | $-839 |
| 11 years | $2,010 |
| 13 years | $4,858 |
| 15 years | $7,706 |
| 17 years | $10,554 |
| 19 years | $13,402 |
| 21 years | $16,250 |
| 23 years | $19,098 |
| 25 years | $21,946 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkshire
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Berkshire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkshire
The cost of installing a solar system in Berkshire can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Berkshire, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Berkshire provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Berkshire's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $16,858 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $22,764 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $28,814 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $35,007 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $41,343 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $47,822 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $54,445 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $61,212 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Berkshire, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkshire?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkshire is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Berkshire?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.