Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air North, MD (Mar 2023)
- Bel Air North Solar Installation Cost: $10,820
- 25-Year Savings: $10,998
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air North
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bel Air North.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bel Air North, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. The average Bel Air North homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,820 with the federal tax credit, or $15,473 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bel Air North homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bel Air North find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bel Air North for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bel Air North
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,947 |
| 3 years | $-8,202 |
| 5 years | $-6,456 |
| 7 years | $-4,711 |
| 9 years | $-2,965 |
| 11 years | $-1,220 |
| 13 years | $525 |
| 15 years | $2,271 |
| 17 years | $4,016 |
| 19 years | $5,761 |
| 21 years | $7,507 |
| 23 years | $9,252 |
| 25 years | $10,998 |
Top Solar Installers in Bel Air North
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bel Air North
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bel Air North
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bel Air North is $10,820, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Bel Air North have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $11,350 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,443 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,692 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,096 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,655 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,369 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,238 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,262 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
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 Bel Air North, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bel Air North?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $781.64 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Bel Air North?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.