Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carney, MD (Mar 2023)
- Carney Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
- 25-Year Savings: $10,055
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carney
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Carney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carney typically cost around 2.77. The average Carney homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,839 with the federal tax credit, or $15,500 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carney homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carney find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,003 |
| 3 years | $-8,332 |
| 5 years | $-6,660 |
| 7 years | $-4,989 |
| 9 years | $-3,317 |
| 11 years | $-1,646 |
| 13 years | $26 |
| 15 years | $1,697 |
| 17 years | $3,369 |
| 19 years | $5,040 |
| 21 years | $6,712 |
| 23 years | $8,383 |
| 25 years | $10,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Carney
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Carney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carney
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 around $2,770 per kilowatt in Carney. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Carney, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Carney, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $10,331 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,085 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,995 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,059 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,278 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,653 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,182 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,867 | 11.7 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Carney, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carney?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Carney?
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 level 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.