Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dundalk, MD (2024 Update)
- Dundalk Solar Installation Cost: $13,849
- 25-Year Savings: $10,057
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dundalk
We break down average solar pricing in Dundalk.
In Dundalk, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Dundalk homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,849 with the federal tax credit, or $19,804 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dundalk depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Dundalk homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dundalk
| 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 Dundalk
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Dundalk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dundalk
For many Dundalk homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dundalk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dundalk homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dundalk homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Dundalk, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dundalk know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Dundalk, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dundalk?
The average cost of solar panels in Dundalk 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dundalk?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 larger 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.