Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air North, MD (2023 Update)
- Bel Air North Solar Installation Cost: $10,824
- 25-Year Savings: $10,993
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air North
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bel Air North.
In Bel Air North, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Bel Air North is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,820 for a solar installation, or $15,473 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, 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 $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bel Air North
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,410 |
| 3 years | $-6,581 |
| 5 years | $-3,752 |
| 7 years | $-924 |
| 9 years | $1,905 |
| 11 years | $4,734 |
| 13 years | $7,563 |
| 15 years | $10,391 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $16,049 |
| 21 years | $18,878 |
| 23 years | $21,706 |
| 25 years | $24,535 |
Top Solar Installers in Bel Air North
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Bel Air North is $10,820, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Bel Air North. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more 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. In addition, 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 solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bel Air North is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $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
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be 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 the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bel Air North?
The average cost of solar panels in Bel Air North 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to 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 why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Bel Air North?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.