Solar Panel Cost Guide in Joppatowne, MD (2024 Update)
- Joppatowne Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
- 25-Year Savings: $10,070
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Joppatowne
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Joppatowne.
The average cost of solar panels in Joppatowne is 4 per watt.Because a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Joppatowne, the average price of going solar will be about $13,833 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Joppatowne find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Joppatowne for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Joppatowne
| 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 Joppatowne
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Joppatowne:
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 Joppatowne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Joppatowne
The cost of installing a solar system in Joppatowne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,540. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal 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 hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Joppatowne, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better 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 lower 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 | $6,994 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,722 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,648 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,772 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,095 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,616 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,335 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,252 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Joppatowne, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Joppatowne?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Joppatowne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Joppatowne, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with 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, solar panels can last 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.