Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berne, OH (2024 Update)
- Berne Solar Installation Cost: $17,944
- 25-Year Savings: $16,795
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berne
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Berne.
In Berne, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Berne, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,944, or $25,660 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Berne homeowners. 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.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berne find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,612 |
| 3 years | $-13,948 |
| 5 years | $-11,284 |
| 7 years | $-8,620 |
| 9 years | $-5,956 |
| 11 years | $-3,292 |
| 13 years | $-628 |
| 15 years | $2,036 |
| 17 years | $4,700 |
| 19 years | $7,364 |
| 21 years | $10,028 |
| 23 years | $12,692 |
| 25 years | $15,356 |
Top Solar Installers in Berne
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Berne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berne
For many Berne homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berne, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Berne.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Berne average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Berne, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Berne know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,262 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,731 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,391 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,242 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,284 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $28,517 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $32,941 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $37,556 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Berne, 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:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Berne, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berne?
The average cost of solar panels in Berne 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Berne?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Berne. However, you may still be able to afford 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 Berne have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 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.