Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berea, OH (2024 Update)
- Berea Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
- 25-Year Savings: $12,542
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berea
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Berea.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berea, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $18,803 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Berea 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 $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berea find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Berea for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Berea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,549 |
| 3 years | $-15,041 |
| 5 years | $-12,534 |
| 7 years | $-10,026 |
| 9 years | $-7,518 |
| 11 years | $-5,011 |
| 13 years | $-2,503 |
| 15 years | $4 |
| 17 years | $2,512 |
| 19 years | $5,020 |
| 21 years | $7,527 |
| 23 years | $10,035 |
| 25 years | $12,542 |
Top Solar Installers in Berea
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Berea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berea
For many Berea homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berea, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Berea, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Berea’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $5,960 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,329 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,889 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,639 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $16,581 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $19,713 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,037 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $26,551 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Berea, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 choose.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Berea, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berea?
The average cost of solar panels in Berea is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.