Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated May 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Berlin. A solar panel array can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Switching to solar energy can help you save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation companies in Berlin.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Connecticut, an installer meeting minimum experience requirements can take an exam to become a licensed solar PV or thermal contractor. Once they're licensed, they'll need to register with the state's Clean Energy Fund, so that their customers can earn incentives.
Check Google Reviews, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar installers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you evaluate a provider's reliability and customer service. Stay away from providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
Contact at least three solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
In Berlin, solar panels cost an average of $3,750 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 4.7 kilowatts. The typical Berlin homeowner spends $12,323 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's panel type, capacity, required preliminary work, and size. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Amount:
Customer-owned (EPBB):
Up to 10 kW PTC: $0.358/W
10 to 20 kW PTC: $0.207/W
Incentive is reduced accordingly for Design Factors below 75%. Minimum design factor is 60%.
Third-Party-Owned (PBI):
Up to 20 kW PTC: $0.03/kWh for 6 years
Minimum Design Factor 60%
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Amount:
Ductless Heat Pump: $500
Refrigerators/Freezers, Room A/Cs, Dishwashers, Clothes Washers, Dehumidifiers: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Central A/C: $200
Air Source Heat Pumps: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $750
Lighting: Incentive Included in Retail Price
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500-$1,500
High Efficiency Furnace, Natural Gas Boiler, and Boiler Circulator Pump: Instant Discounts of $25-$800
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can raise your property values, reduce emissions, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Berlin can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Berlin amount to $1,081.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar panels are gaining in popularity for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
