Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, WI (Mar 2023)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $13,250
- 25-Year Savings: $26,885
- Payback Period: 8.2 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 installing solar panels is in Berlin.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berlin typically cost around 2.6. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,250 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Berlin homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Berlin see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,644 |
| 3 years | $-8,433 |
| 5 years | $-5,223 |
| 7 years | $-2,012 |
| 9 years | $1,199 |
| 11 years | $4,410 |
| 13 years | $7,620 |
| 15 years | $10,831 |
| 17 years | $14,042 |
| 19 years | $17,253 |
| 21 years | $20,464 |
| 23 years | $23,674 |
| 25 years | $26,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. 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 identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Berlin average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $21,735 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $29,271 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $36,952 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $44,779 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $52,752 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $60,871 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $69,135 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $77,544 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berlin?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.