Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, OH (2023 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $13,655
- 25-Year Savings: $18,407
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Berlin.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berlin typically cost about 2.56. The average solar panel system size in Berlin is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,655 for a solar installation, or $19,527 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Berlin see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Berlin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,373 |
| 3 years | $-9,808 |
| 5 years | $-7,243 |
| 7 years | $-4,678 |
| 9 years | $-2,113 |
| 11 years | $452 |
| 13 years | $3,017 |
| 15 years | $5,582 |
| 17 years | $8,147 |
| 19 years | $10,712 |
| 21 years | $13,277 |
| 23 years | $15,842 |
| 25 years | $18,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Berlin, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are various 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 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 biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $2,560. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra 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 costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Berlin is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 many companies available in Berlin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs 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 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 Berlin, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berlin?
The average cost of solar panels in Berlin is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Berlin?
Solar panels aren't free in Berlin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Berlin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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.