Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, MD (Mar 2023)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $10,994
- 25-Year Savings: $5,360
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Middletown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middletown it's 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $10,994 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Middletown based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Middletown can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Middletown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,340 |
| 3 years | $-9,032 |
| 5 years | $-7,723 |
| 7 years | $-6,415 |
| 9 years | $-5,107 |
| 11 years | $-3,798 |
| 13 years | $-2,490 |
| 15 years | $-1,182 |
| 17 years | $126 |
| 19 years | $1,435 |
| 21 years | $2,743 |
| 23 years | $4,051 |
| 25 years | $5,360 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
For many Middletown homeowners, the decision to go solar 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Middletown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Middletown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Middletown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Middletown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Middletown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Middletown know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $5,213 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,261 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,464 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,822 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $14,335 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $17,004 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,827 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,806 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Middletown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Middletown is currently $389,500, so you could be looking at a value of about $15,970 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middletown is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Middletown?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.