Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD (2024 Update)
- Ashton-Sandy Spring Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $9,122
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashton-Sandy Spring
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ashton-Sandy Spring.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ashton-Sandy Spring, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Ashton-Sandy Spring homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,851 with the federal tax credit, or $19,807 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Ashton-Sandy Spring can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashton-Sandy Spring
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,437 |
| 3 years | $-9,608 |
| 5 years | $-6,779 |
| 7 years | $-3,950 |
| 9 years | $-1,122 |
| 11 years | $1,707 |
| 13 years | $4,536 |
| 15 years | $7,364 |
| 17 years | $10,193 |
| 19 years | $13,022 |
| 21 years | $15,851 |
| 23 years | $18,679 |
| 25 years | $21,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashton-Sandy Spring
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Ashton-Sandy Spring, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Ashton-Sandy Spring
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashton-Sandy Spring
The cost of installing a solar system in Ashton-Sandy Spring can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ashton-Sandy Spring, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ashton-Sandy Spring have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Ashton-Sandy Spring’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $5,963 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $8,347 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $10,929 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $13,710 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $16,689 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $19,866 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $23,241 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $26,815 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashton-Sandy Spring?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ashton-Sandy Spring?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ashton-Sandy Spring, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ashton-Sandy Spring?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.