Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air South, MD (2023 Update)
- Bel Air South Solar Installation Cost: $10,820
- 25-Year Savings: $10,651
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air South
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bel Air South.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bel Air South typically cost about 2.77. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bel Air South, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,820, or $15,473 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Bel Air South, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bel Air South
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,961 |
| 3 years | $-8,243 |
| 5 years | $-6,525 |
| 7 years | $-4,808 |
| 9 years | $-3,090 |
| 11 years | $-1,372 |
| 13 years | $345 |
| 15 years | $2,063 |
| 17 years | $3,781 |
| 19 years | $5,498 |
| 21 years | $7,216 |
| 23 years | $8,934 |
| 25 years | $10,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Bel Air South
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Bel Air South:
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 South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bel Air South
For many Bel Air South homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bel Air South, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bel Air South to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bel Air South, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $10,978 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,947 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,072 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,352 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,786 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,376 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,121 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,022 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence 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 a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 South, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bel Air South?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bel Air South, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.