Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Vale, MD (2025 Update)
- La Vale Solar Installation Cost: $14,370
- 25-Year Savings: $5,079
- Payback Period: 22.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Vale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in La Vale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in La Vale is 4 per watt.The average La Vale homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,370 with the federal tax credit, or $20,549 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average La Vale homeowner can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Vale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,117 |
| 3 years | $-10,612 |
| 5 years | $-8,107 |
| 7 years | $-5,602 |
| 9 years | $-3,097 |
| 11 years | $-591 |
| 13 years | $1,914 |
| 15 years | $4,419 |
| 17 years | $6,924 |
| 19 years | $9,429 |
| 21 years | $11,934 |
| 23 years | $14,439 |
| 25 years | $16,945 |
Top Solar Installers in La Vale
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in La Vale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Vale
The cost of installing a solar system in La Vale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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 company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
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 La Vale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in La Vale, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $1,427 | 22.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,299 | 22.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,369 | 22.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $4,637 | 21.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,104 | 21.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $7,769 | 20.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $9,632 | 20.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $11,694 | 19.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
EcoWatch's La Vale, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Vale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in La Vale?
Solar panels aren’t free in La Vale, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout La Vale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.