Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD (2024 Update)

  • Chesapeake Ranch Estates Solar Installation Cost: $12,997
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,794
  • Payback Period: 16.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesapeake Ranch Estates

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Chesapeake Ranch Estates.

The average cost of solar panels in Chesapeake Ranch Estates is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chesapeake Ranch Estates is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,997 for a solar installation, or $18,586 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chesapeake Ranch Estates 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.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Chesapeake Ranch Estates homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

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 Chesapeake Ranch Estates

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-11,663
3 years$-8,994
5 years$-6,325
7 years$-3,656
9 years$-987
11 years$1,683
13 years$4,352
15 years$7,021
17 years$9,690
19 years$12,359
21 years$15,028
23 years$17,697
25 years$20,366

Top Solar Installers in Chesapeake Ranch Estates

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Chesapeake Ranch Estates

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesapeake Ranch Estates

For many Chesapeake Ranch Estates homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chesapeake Ranch Estates homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chesapeake Ranch Estates homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chesapeake Ranch Estates is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.68$15,463$7,37416.9 years
8 kW$3.61$20,220$10,22916.6 years
10 kW$3.54$24,780$13,28216.3 years
12 kW$3.47$29,141$16,53316.0 years
14 kW$3.40$33,304$19,98215.6 years
16 kW$3.33$37,269$23,63015.3 years
18 kW$3.26$41,036$27,47615.0 years
20 kW$3.19$44,604$31,52014.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chesapeake Ranch Estates?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Chesapeake Ranch Estates have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.