Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, WI (2024 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $19,764
- 25-Year Savings: $26,890
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
We break down average solar pricing in Berlin.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berlin generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Berlin is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,764 for a solar installation, or $28,263 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Berlin can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,657 |
| 3 years | $-16,442 |
| 5 years | $-14,228 |
| 7 years | $-12,013 |
| 9 years | $-9,799 |
| 11 years | $-7,584 |
| 13 years | $-5,369 |
| 15 years | $-3,155 |
| 17 years | $-940 |
| 19 years | $1,275 |
| 21 years | $3,489 |
| 23 years | $5,704 |
| 25 years | $7,919 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Berlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berlin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Berlin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,880. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Berlin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Berlin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Berlin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $16,143 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,959 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,992 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,242 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,710 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,395 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,297 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,416 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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 consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Berlin, WI 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 many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Berlin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Berlin?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.