Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, MD (2023 Update)
- Arnold 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 Arnold
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Arnold.
In Arnold, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Arnold is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,354 for a solar installation, or $14,806 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Arnold based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Arnold can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Arnold for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arnold
| 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 Arnold
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route 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. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Arnold's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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 installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Arnold, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arnold?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Arnold?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Arnold?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.