Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Airy, MD (2024 Update)
- Mount Airy Solar Installation Cost: $14,044
- 25-Year Savings: $6,297
- Payback Period: 20.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Airy
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mount Airy.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Airy it’s 4 per watt.Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mount Airy, the average price of going solar will be about $14,044 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Mount Airy homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Airy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,630 |
| 3 years | $-9,801 |
| 5 years | $-6,972 |
| 7 years | $-4,144 |
| 9 years | $-1,315 |
| 11 years | $1,514 |
| 13 years | $4,343 |
| 15 years | $7,171 |
| 17 years | $10,000 |
| 19 years | $12,829 |
| 21 years | $15,658 |
| 23 years | $18,486 |
| 25 years | $21,315 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Airy
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Mount Airy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Airy
The cost of installing a solar system in Mount Airy can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,540 per kilowatt in Mount Airy.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mount Airy, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mount Airy to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Mount Airy, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Mount Airy have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $2,838 | 21.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $4,180 | 20.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $5,721 | 20.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $7,460 | 19.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $9,397 | 19.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $11,532 | 19.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $13,866 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $16,398 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Mount Airy, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Mount Airy, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Airy?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mount Airy?
Solar panels aren’t free in Mount Airy, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mount Airy, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.