Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berne, OH (2025 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Berne it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Berne, the average price of going solar will be about $17,944 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Berne homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Berne for a custom quote.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Berne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berne
While the average cost of a solar system in Berne is $17,944, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 pay about $3,410 per kilowatt in Berne.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Berne average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Berne homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Berne is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Berne, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berne?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Berne. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Berne?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 home 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.