Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carney, MD (2024 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.
In Carney, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Carney, the average price of going solar will be about $13,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Carney see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer 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
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Carney, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Carney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carney
For many Carney homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carney, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 pay around $3,540 per kilowatt in Carney.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carney to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.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
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Carney, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carney?
The average cost of solar panels in Carney is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Carney?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Carney, 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.
Is it worth going solar in Carney?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.