Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fallston, MD (2024 Update)
- Fallston Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
- 25-Year Savings: $10,647
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fallston
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fallston.
The average cost of a solar system in Fallston is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fallston, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,833, or $19,781 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fallston can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Fallston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fallston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,419 |
| 3 years | $-9,590 |
| 5 years | $-6,761 |
| 7 years | $-3,933 |
| 9 years | $-1,104 |
| 11 years | $1,725 |
| 13 years | $4,554 |
| 15 years | $7,382 |
| 17 years | $10,211 |
| 19 years | $13,040 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,697 |
| 25 years | $21,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Fallston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
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 Fallston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fallston
For many Fallston homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fallston, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fallston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fallston homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fallston, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,614 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,549 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,682 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,013 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $20,542 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $24,270 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $28,196 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $32,320 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Fallston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion 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 Fallston, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fallston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fallston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Fallston have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 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.