Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bern, PA (2024 Update)
- Bern Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,296
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bern
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bern.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bern, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bern, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,528, or $23,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Bern depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Bern for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bern
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Bern
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 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 Bern
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bern
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Bern: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Bern, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Bern, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,198 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,995 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,991 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,186 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,579 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,171 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,962 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,952 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Bern, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bern?
The average cost of solar panels in Bern is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bern?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bern, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bern, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.