Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, MD (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $10,649
- 25-Year Savings: $12,553
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester generally cost about 2.77. The average Chester homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,645 with the federal tax credit, or $15,222 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,572 |
| 3 years | $-10,417 |
| 5 years | $-10,262 |
| 7 years | $-10,108 |
| 9 years | $-9,953 |
| 11 years | $-9,798 |
| 13 years | $-9,644 |
| 15 years | $-9,489 |
| 17 years | $-9,334 |
| 19 years | $-9,180 |
| 21 years | $-9,025 |
| 23 years | $-8,870 |
| 25 years | $-8,716 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chester, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Chester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,770. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chester to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Chester, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $13,248 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,975 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,856 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,893 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $33,084 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $38,431 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,933 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $49,590 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Chester, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chester. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chester is currently $371,566, so you could be looking at a value of about $15,234 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chester is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chester?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.