Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baltimore, MD (2024 Update)

  • Baltimore Solar Installation Cost: $13,667
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,200
  • Payback Period: 16.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baltimore

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Baltimore.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Baltimore it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Baltimore, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,667, or $19,544 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Baltimore homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Baltimore that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Baltimore

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-12,252
3 years$-9,424
5 years$-6,595
7 years$-3,766
9 years$-937
11 years$1,891
13 years$4,720
15 years$7,549
17 years$10,378
19 years$13,206
21 years$16,035
23 years$18,864
25 years$21,693

Top Solar Installers in Baltimore

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Baltimore

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baltimore

The cost of installing a solar system in Baltimore can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Baltimore, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.68$15,463$7,26817.0 years
8 kW$3.61$20,220$10,08716.7 years
10 kW$3.54$24,780$13,10416.4 years
12 kW$3.47$29,141$16,32016.0 years
14 kW$3.40$33,304$19,73315.7 years
16 kW$3.33$37,269$23,34515.4 years
18 kW$3.26$41,036$27,15615.0 years
20 kW$3.19$44,604$31,16414.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Baltimore, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Baltimore, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baltimore?

The average cost of solar panels in Baltimore is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Baltimore is currently $179,536, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,361 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Baltimore is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.