Solar Panel Cost Guide in Annapolis Neck, MD (2023 Update)

  • Annapolis Neck Solar Installation Cost: $10,354
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,540
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Annapolis Neck

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Annapolis Neck.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Annapolis Neck typically cost around 2.77. The average Annapolis Neck 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 end up paying 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 upfront cost, the average Annapolis Neck homeowner can save around $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 installer in Annapolis Neck for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Annapolis Neck

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 Neck

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Annapolis Neck:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Neck

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Annapolis Neck

For many Annapolis Neck homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Annapolis Neck, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Annapolis Neck. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Annapolis Neck, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Annapolis Neck homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.

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

The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types 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 keep in mind, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Annapolis Neck, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Annapolis Neck?

The average cost of solar panels in Annapolis Neck 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Annapolis Neck?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $781.87 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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