Solar Panel Cost Guide in Friendly, MD (2025 Update)
- Friendly Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $12,317
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Friendly
We break down average solar pricing in Friendly.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Friendly, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Friendly is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Friendly can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Friendly
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-11,811 |
3 years | $-8,399 |
5 years | $-4,987 |
7 years | $-1,575 |
9 years | $1,837 |
11 years | $5,250 |
13 years | $8,662 |
15 years | $12,074 |
17 years | $15,486 |
19 years | $18,898 |
21 years | $22,310 |
23 years | $25,722 |
25 years | $29,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Friendly
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free 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
See all of the solar companies in Friendly
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Friendly
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Friendly: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original 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 solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $9,719 | 15.4 years |
8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,355 | 15.1 years |
10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,189 | 14.8 years |
12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,222 | 14.5 years |
14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,453 | 14.2 years |
16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,882 | 13.9 years |
18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,509 | 13.6 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,335 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Friendly, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Friendly?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $839.39 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.