Solar Panel Cost Guide in Annapolis, MD (2023 Update)
- Annapolis Solar Installation Cost: $10,354
- 25-Year Savings: $10,540
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Annapolis
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Annapolis.
In Annapolis, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average Annapolis homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,354 with the federal tax credit, or $14,806 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Annapolis homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Annapolis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,518 |
| 3 years | $-7,847 |
| 5 years | $-6,175 |
| 7 years | $-4,504 |
| 9 years | $-2,832 |
| 11 years | $-1,161 |
| 13 years | $511 |
| 15 years | $2,182 |
| 17 years | $3,854 |
| 19 years | $5,525 |
| 21 years | $7,197 |
| 23 years | $8,868 |
| 25 years | $10,540 |
Top Solar Installers in Annapolis
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Annapolis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Annapolis
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Annapolis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 Annapolis average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,357 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,453 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,704 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,110 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,671 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,387 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,259 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,285 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
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 Annapolis, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Annapolis?
The average cost of solar panels in Annapolis is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Annapolis?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 typically 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.