Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, NJ (2024 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $11,511
- 25-Year Savings: $13,728
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berlin
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Berlin.
The average cost of solar panels in Berlin is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Berlin is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,511 for a solar installation, or $16,461 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Berlin can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Berlin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-7,016 |
| 5 years | $-4,020 |
| 7 years | $-1,023 |
| 9 years | $1,973 |
| 11 years | $4,969 |
| 13 years | $7,966 |
| 15 years | $10,962 |
| 17 years | $13,959 |
| 19 years | $16,955 |
| 21 years | $19,951 |
| 23 years | $22,948 |
| 25 years | $25,944 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
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 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Berlin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects 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.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.67 | $15,419 | $13,897 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $18,925 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $24,150 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $29,574 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $35,194 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $41,013 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $47,029 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $53,243 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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, NJ 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 $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berlin?
Solar panels aren’t free in Berlin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Berlin is currently $345,064, so you could be looking at a value of about $14,148 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Berlin is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 household 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.