Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, NH (2024 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $15,678
- 25-Year Savings: $14,190
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Berlin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berlin it’s 4 per watt.The average Berlin homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,678 with the federal tax credit, or $22,420 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Berlin depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berlin find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Berlin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,271 |
| 3 years | $-11,457 |
| 5 years | $-8,643 |
| 7 years | $-5,830 |
| 9 years | $-3,016 |
| 11 years | $-203 |
| 13 years | $2,611 |
| 15 years | $5,425 |
| 17 years | $8,238 |
| 19 years | $11,052 |
| 21 years | $13,866 |
| 23 years | $16,679 |
| 25 years | $19,493 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're looking for a solar company in Berlin, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners 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 go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences 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 energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Berlin homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Berlin is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Berlin have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $4.39 | $18,433 | $9,831 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $13,580 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $17,566 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $21,788 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $26,247 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $30,941 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $35,872 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $41,040 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project 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
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, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berlin?
The average cost of solar panels in Berlin is about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berlin?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Berlin. 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.
Does Berlin have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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 long do solar panels last in Berlin?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.