Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berne, IN (2024 Update)
- Berne Solar Installation Cost: $25,606
- 25-Year Savings: $29,629
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berne
We go over average solar pricing in Berne.
In Berne, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Berne homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,606 with the federal tax credit, or $36,617 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Berne homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Berne for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,140 |
| 3 years | $-21,206 |
| 5 years | $-18,273 |
| 7 years | $-15,339 |
| 9 years | $-12,405 |
| 11 years | $-9,472 |
| 13 years | $-6,538 |
| 15 years | $-3,605 |
| 17 years | $-671 |
| 19 years | $2,262 |
| 21 years | $5,196 |
| 23 years | $8,129 |
| 25 years | $11,063 |
Top Solar Installers in Berne
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Berne, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Berne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berne
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Berne: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Berne, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Berne, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Berne are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.26 | $17,909 | $13,272 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $18,155 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $23,268 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $28,611 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $34,183 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $39,984 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $46,016 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $52,276 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Berne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Berne, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berne?
The average cost of solar panels in Berne is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berne?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Berne. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 needs 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.