Solar Panel Cost Guide in Deale, MD (2023 Update)

  • Deale Solar Installation Cost: $10,354
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,540
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Deale

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Deale.

The average cost of a solar system in Deale is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $10,354 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Deale see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Deale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,518
3 years $-7,847
5 years $-6,175
7 years $-4,504
9 years $-2,832
11 years $-1,161
13 years $511
15 years $2,182
17 years $3,854
19 years $5,525
21 years $7,197
23 years $8,868
25 years $10,540

Top Solar Installers in Deale

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Deale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Deale

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Deale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Deale. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Deale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Deale 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Deale know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $11,357 12.9 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $15,453 12.6 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $19,704 12.4 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $24,110 12.2 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $28,671 11.9 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $33,387 11.7 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $38,259 11.4 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $43,285 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total 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, including:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Deale, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Deale?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Deale?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Deale, 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?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.

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