Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air North, MD (2024 Update)
- Bel Air North Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
- 25-Year Savings: $10,993
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air North
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bel Air North.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bel Air North, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bel Air North, the average price of going solar will be about $13,833 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. 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 usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Bel Air North can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bel Air North for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bel Air North
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,419 |
| 3 years | $-9,590 |
| 5 years | $-6,761 |
| 7 years | $-3,933 |
| 9 years | $-1,104 |
| 11 years | $1,725 |
| 13 years | $4,554 |
| 15 years | $7,382 |
| 17 years | $10,211 |
| 19 years | $13,040 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,697 |
| 25 years | $21,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Bel Air North
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about using a top 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 near you:
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 Bel Air North
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bel Air North
For many Bel Air North homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bel Air North, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain 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 better efficiency. In a city like Bel Air North, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bel Air North, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bel Air North, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $7,987 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,045 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,302 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,757 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,411 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,262 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,312 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,560 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Bel Air North, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bel Air North?
The average cost of solar panels in Bel Air North 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bel Air North?
Each state has some kind 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.