Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chestertown, MD (2025 Update)
- Chestertown Solar Installation Cost: $13,663
- 25-Year Savings: $14,591
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chestertown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Chestertown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chestertown, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chestertown is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,663 for a solar installation, or $19,538 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chestertown find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chestertown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chestertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,950 |
| 3 years | $-8,524 |
| 5 years | $-5,098 |
| 7 years | $-1,672 |
| 9 years | $1,754 |
| 11 years | $5,180 |
| 13 years | $8,606 |
| 15 years | $12,032 |
| 17 years | $15,457 |
| 19 years | $18,883 |
| 21 years | $22,309 |
| 23 years | $25,735 |
| 25 years | $29,161 |
Top Solar Installers in Chestertown
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Chestertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chestertown
For many Chestertown homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chestertown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Chestertown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chestertown provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Chestertown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $12,050 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $16,463 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $21,074 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $25,883 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $30,891 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $36,097 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $41,501 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $47,104 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Chestertown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Chestertown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chestertown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Chestertown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.