Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, MA (2024 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $13,695
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Berlin.
The average cost of a solar system in Berlin is 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Berlin, the average price of going solar will be about $12,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Berlin for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-7,556 |
| 5 years | $-4,109 |
| 7 years | $-662 |
| 9 years | $2,785 |
| 11 years | $6,232 |
| 13 years | $9,679 |
| 15 years | $13,126 |
| 17 years | $16,572 |
| 19 years | $20,019 |
| 21 years | $23,466 |
| 23 years | $26,913 |
| 25 years | $30,360 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Berlin, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Berlin:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Berlin is $12,726, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Berlin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berlin to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Berlin, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,964 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,740 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,743 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,974 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $33,432 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $39,117 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $45,030 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $51,170 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berlin?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Berlin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Berlin?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.