Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berlin, OH (2024 Update)
- Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $18,184
- 25-Year Savings: $18,411
- Payback Period: 14.2 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.
In Berlin, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Berlin, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,184, or $26,003 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,827 |
| 3 years | $-14,112 |
| 5 years | $-11,398 |
| 7 years | $-8,684 |
| 9 years | $-5,970 |
| 11 years | $-3,256 |
| 13 years | $-542 |
| 15 years | $2,173 |
| 17 years | $4,887 |
| 19 years | $7,601 |
| 21 years | $10,315 |
| 23 years | $13,029 |
| 25 years | $15,743 |
Top Solar Installers in Berlin
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Berlin, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,410. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Berlin have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Berlin, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $10,358 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $14,193 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $18,218 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $22,435 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $26,842 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $31,440 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $36,230 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $41,210 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Berlin, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berlin?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 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.