Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baltimore Highlands, MD (Mar 2023)
- Baltimore Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
- 25-Year Savings: $10,055
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baltimore Highlands
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Baltimore Highlands.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Baltimore Highlands, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Baltimore Highlands is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,839 for a solar installation, or $15,500 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Baltimore Highlands homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Baltimore Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,003 |
| 3 years | $-8,332 |
| 5 years | $-6,660 |
| 7 years | $-4,989 |
| 9 years | $-3,317 |
| 11 years | $-1,646 |
| 13 years | $26 |
| 15 years | $1,697 |
| 17 years | $3,369 |
| 19 years | $5,040 |
| 21 years | $6,712 |
| 23 years | $8,383 |
| 25 years | $10,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Baltimore Highlands
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Baltimore Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baltimore Highlands
The cost of installing a solar system in Baltimore Highlands 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why 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 — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Baltimore Highlands, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Baltimore Highlands to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,331 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,085 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,995 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,059 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,278 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,653 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,182 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,867 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Baltimore Highlands, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baltimore Highlands?
The average cost of solar panels in Baltimore Highlands is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Baltimore Highlands?
You can't get solar panels for free in Baltimore Highlands. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Baltimore Highlands is currently $213,400, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,749 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Baltimore Highlands is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.