Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berwyn Heights, MD (2023 Update)
- Berwyn Heights Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $12,326
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berwyn Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Berwyn Heights.
In Berwyn Heights, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Berwyn Heights is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,568 for a solar installation, or $15,112 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Berwyn Heights depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berwyn Heights find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Berwyn Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berwyn Heights
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-9,652 |
3 years | $-7,820 |
5 years | $-5,989 |
7 years | $-4,157 |
9 years | $-2,326 |
11 years | $-494 |
13 years | $1,337 |
15 years | $3,169 |
17 years | $5,000 |
19 years | $6,832 |
21 years | $8,663 |
23 years | $10,495 |
25 years | $12,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Berwyn Heights
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Berwyn Heights:
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 Berwyn Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berwyn Heights
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Berwyn Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Berwyn Heights, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration 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
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Berwyn Heights is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,082 | 12.0 years |
8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,753 | 11.8 years |
10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,579 | 11.6 years |
12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,561 | 11.3 years |
14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,697 | 11.1 years |
16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,989 | 10.9 years |
18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,435 | 10.6 years |
20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $49,037 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Berwyn Heights, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berwyn Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.