Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, MD (2024 Update)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $14,045
- 25-Year Savings: $5,364
- Payback Period: 21.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Middletown.
The average cost of a solar system in Middletown is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Middletown is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,045 for a solar installation, or $20,084 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Middletown homeowner. The price 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.Despite the high initial cost, the average Middletown homeowner can save around $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Middletown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,792 |
| 3 years | $-10,287 |
| 5 years | $-7,782 |
| 7 years | $-5,277 |
| 9 years | $-2,772 |
| 11 years | $-266 |
| 13 years | $2,239 |
| 15 years | $4,744 |
| 17 years | $7,249 |
| 19 years | $9,754 |
| 21 years | $12,259 |
| 23 years | $14,764 |
| 25 years | $17,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
For many Middletown homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middletown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Middletown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Middletown offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Middletown, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $1,850 | 22.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,863 | 21.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $4,074 | 21.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $5,483 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $7,091 | 20.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $8,897 | 20.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $10,901 | 19.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $13,104 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Middletown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middletown?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality 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 less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Middletown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Middletown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.