Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, MD (2024 Update)
- Arnold Solar Installation Cost: $13,244
- 25-Year Savings: $10,531
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arnold
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Arnold.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Arnold is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Arnold, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,244, or $18,939 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Arnold see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Arnold for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Arnold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,829 |
| 3 years | $-9,001 |
| 5 years | $-6,172 |
| 7 years | $-3,343 |
| 9 years | $-514 |
| 11 years | $2,314 |
| 13 years | $5,143 |
| 15 years | $7,972 |
| 17 years | $10,801 |
| 19 years | $13,629 |
| 21 years | $16,458 |
| 23 years | $19,287 |
| 25 years | $22,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Arnold
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
There are a number of factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Arnold, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Arnold to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Arnold is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $7,994 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,055 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,314 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,771 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,427 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,281 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,333 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,583 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Arnold, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arnold?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Arnold?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Arnold. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing 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 go for 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."
How long do solar panels last in Arnold?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.