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.
The average cost of a solar system in Ashton-Sandy Spring is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ashton-Sandy Spring is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,851 for a solar installation, or $19,807 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Ashton-Sandy Spring can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Ashton-Sandy Spring for a personalized estimate.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Ashton-Sandy Spring
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashton-Sandy Spring
There are a number of factors that can play into 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Ashton-Sandy Spring homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’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 if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 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 Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashton-Sandy Spring?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashton-Sandy Spring is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ashton-Sandy Spring?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Ashton-Sandy Spring, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Ashton-Sandy Spring have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Ashton-Sandy Spring?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.