Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Arbor, MD (2024 Update)
- Lake Arbor Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,317
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Arbor
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lake Arbor.
In Lake Arbor, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Lake Arbor homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,517 with the federal tax credit, or $19,329 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lake Arbor homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Lake Arbor, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Arbor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,103 |
| 3 years | $-9,274 |
| 5 years | $-6,445 |
| 7 years | $-3,616 |
| 9 years | $-788 |
| 11 years | $2,041 |
| 13 years | $4,870 |
| 15 years | $7,698 |
| 17 years | $10,527 |
| 19 years | $13,356 |
| 21 years | $16,185 |
| 23 years | $19,013 |
| 25 years | $21,842 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Arbor
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Lake Arbor, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lake Arbor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Arbor
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lake Arbor, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lake Arbor, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Lake Arbor’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $8,619 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,889 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,356 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,022 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $22,887 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $26,949 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $31,210 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $35,669 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Lake Arbor, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Arbor?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lake Arbor is currently $416,707, so you could be looking at a value of about $17,085 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lake Arbor is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Lake Arbor?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.