Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ballenger Creek, MD (2023 Update)
- Ballenger Creek Solar Installation Cost: $10,994
- 25-Year Savings: $5,329
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ballenger Creek
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ballenger Creek.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ballenger Creek it's 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Ballenger Creek, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,994, or $15,721 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember 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 solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ballenger Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,341 |
| 3 years | $-9,035 |
| 5 years | $-7,729 |
| 7 years | $-6,424 |
| 9 years | $-5,118 |
| 11 years | $-3,812 |
| 13 years | $-2,506 |
| 15 years | $-1,200 |
| 17 years | $106 |
| 19 years | $1,412 |
| 21 years | $2,717 |
| 23 years | $4,023 |
| 25 years | $5,329 |
Top Solar Installers in Ballenger Creek
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Ballenger Creek:
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 Ballenger Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ballenger Creek
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ballenger Creek is $10,994, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay about $2,770 per kilowatt in Ballenger Creek. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ballenger Creek average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ballenger Creek homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Ballenger Creek, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 | $5,181 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,218 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,410 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,758 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $14,260 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $16,918 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,730 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,698 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Ballenger Creek, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ballenger Creek?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ballenger Creek?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ballenger Creek. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ballenger Creek, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.