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 consumption 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 true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Mount Airy based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mount Airy find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Mount Airy:
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 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 largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Mount Airy, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mount Airy average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mount Airy homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Mount Airy, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Mount Airy, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Airy?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with 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 help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $610.02 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.