Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, OH (2023 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $13,651
- 25-Year Savings: $18,411
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Berlin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berlin it's 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Berlin, the average price of going solar will be about $13,655 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Berlin can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,294 |
| 3 years | $-9,580 |
| 5 years | $-6,866 |
| 7 years | $-4,152 |
| 9 years | $-1,437 |
| 11 years | $1,277 |
| 13 years | $3,991 |
| 15 years | $6,705 |
| 17 years | $9,419 |
| 19 years | $12,133 |
| 21 years | $14,848 |
| 23 years | $17,562 |
| 25 years | $20,276 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Berlin:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
The cost of installing a solar system in Berlin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Berlin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Berlin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berlin to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Berlin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $14,071 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,048 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $24,168 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $29,432 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $34,839 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $40,389 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $46,083 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $51,920 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Berlin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Berlin, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berlin?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Berlin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Berlin?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.