Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air South, MD (2024 Update)
- Bel Air South Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
- 25-Year Savings: $10,647
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air South
We break down average solar pricing in Bel Air South.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bel Air South generally cost about 4.Because a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bel Air South, 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 solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation 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 | $-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 South
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Bel Air South:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Bel Air South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bel Air South
While the average cost of a solar system in Bel Air South is $13,833, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bel Air South, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bel Air South, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Bel Air South’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $7,614 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,549 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,682 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,013 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $20,542 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $24,270 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $28,196 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $32,320 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- 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 how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Bel Air South, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bel Air South?
The average cost of solar panels in Bel Air South is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bel Air South?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bel Air South, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bel Air South is currently $409,925, which means you can expect a value of about $16,807 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bel Air South is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bel Air South?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.