Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkley, MI (2024 Update)
- Berkley Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
- 25-Year Savings: $12,969
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkley
We break down average solar pricing in Berkley.
The average cost of a solar system in Berkley is 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Berkley, the average price of going solar will be about $17,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Berkley 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.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Berkley see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkley
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,163 |
3 years | $-13,379 |
5 years | $-10,594 |
7 years | $-7,809 |
9 years | $-5,025 |
11 years | $-2,240 |
13 years | $545 |
15 years | $3,329 |
17 years | $6,114 |
19 years | $8,899 |
21 years | $11,683 |
23 years | $14,468 |
25 years | $17,253 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkley
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Berkley, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Berkley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkley
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berkley to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,665 | 18.2 years |
8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,341 | 17.8 years |
10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,245 | 17.5 years |
12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,376 | 17.1 years |
14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $18,734 | 16.8 years |
16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,320 | 16.4 years |
18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,133 | 16.1 years |
20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,174 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall 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 take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Berkley, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkley?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkley is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Berkley?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.