Solar Panel Cost Guide in Golden Beach, MD (2024 Update)
- Golden Beach Solar Installation Cost: $13,029
- 25-Year Savings: $9,769
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Golden Beach
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Golden Beach.
In Golden Beach, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Golden Beach homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,029 with the federal tax credit, or $18,631 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Golden Beach for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Golden Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,695 |
| 3 years | $-9,026 |
| 5 years | $-6,357 |
| 7 years | $-3,688 |
| 9 years | $-1,019 |
| 11 years | $1,651 |
| 13 years | $4,320 |
| 15 years | $6,989 |
| 17 years | $9,658 |
| 19 years | $12,327 |
| 21 years | $14,996 |
| 23 years | $17,665 |
| 25 years | $20,334 |
Top Solar Installers in Golden Beach
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because 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 reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Golden Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Golden Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Golden Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain 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 choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Golden Beach, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,318 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,154 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,189 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $16,421 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,852 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $23,481 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $27,308 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $31,333 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Golden Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Golden Beach, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Golden Beach?
This is a tough 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Golden Beach?
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 offer you credit toward your future power 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 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.