Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berne, OH (2023 Update)
- Berne Solar Installation Cost: $13,476
- 25-Year Savings: $16,790
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berne
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Berne.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berne, the average cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $13,476 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Berne homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Berne that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,265 |
| 3 years | $-9,844 |
| 5 years | $-7,423 |
| 7 years | $-5,001 |
| 9 years | $-2,580 |
| 11 years | $-159 |
| 13 years | $2,262 |
| 15 years | $4,684 |
| 17 years | $7,105 |
| 19 years | $9,526 |
| 21 years | $11,948 |
| 23 years | $14,369 |
| 25 years | $16,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Berne
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Berne:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Berne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berne
The cost of installing a solar system in Berne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berne to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $12,974 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,586 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,341 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,239 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,281 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $37,466 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,794 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $48,266 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Berne, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Berne is currently $150,632, which means you can expect a value of about $6,176 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Berne is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.