Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lochearn, MD (2024 Update)
- Lochearn Solar Installation Cost: $13,849
- 25-Year Savings: $10,057
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lochearn
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Lochearn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lochearn, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $13,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lochearn can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Lochearn for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lochearn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,435 |
| 3 years | $-9,606 |
| 5 years | $-6,777 |
| 7 years | $-3,949 |
| 9 years | $-1,120 |
| 11 years | $1,709 |
| 13 years | $4,538 |
| 15 years | $7,366 |
| 17 years | $10,195 |
| 19 years | $13,024 |
| 21 years | $15,853 |
| 23 years | $18,681 |
| 25 years | $21,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Lochearn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Lochearn, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Lochearn:
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 Lochearn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lochearn
There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,540. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lochearn homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has 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 | $6,968 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,687 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,605 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,720 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,034 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,546 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,257 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,165 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Lochearn, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lochearn?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lochearn?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.