Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carney, MD (2025 Update)
- Carney Solar Installation Cost: $13,849
- 25-Year Savings: $10,057
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carney
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Carney.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carney it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Carney, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,849, or $19,804 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Carney homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Carney, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,435 |
| 3 years | $-9,606 |
| 5 years | $-6,777 |
| 7 years | $-3,949 |
| 9 years | $-1,120 |
| 11 years | $1,709 |
| 13 years | $4,538 |
| 15 years | $7,366 |
| 17 years | $10,195 |
| 19 years | $13,024 |
| 21 years | $15,853 |
| 23 years | $18,681 |
| 25 years | $21,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Carney
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Carney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carney
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Carney is $13,849, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,540 per kilowatt in Carney.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Carney homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Carney homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $6,968 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,687 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,605 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,720 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,034 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,546 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,257 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,165 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details 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 installer, 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
EcoWatch's Carney, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carney?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra 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 cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Carney?
Solar panels aren’t free in Carney, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good 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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.