Solar Panel Cost Guide in North East, MD (2025 Update)
- North East Solar Installation Cost: $13,786
- 25-Year Savings: $12,415
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North East
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in North East.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North East, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in North East is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,786 for a solar installation, or $19,714 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in North East depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
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Solar savings over time in North East
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,073 |
| 3 years | $-8,647 |
| 5 years | $-5,221 |
| 7 years | $-1,795 |
| 9 years | $1,631 |
| 11 years | $5,057 |
| 13 years | $8,483 |
| 15 years | $11,909 |
| 17 years | $15,334 |
| 19 years | $18,760 |
| 21 years | $22,186 |
| 23 years | $25,612 |
| 25 years | $29,038 |
Top Solar Installers in North East
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in North East
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North East
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in North East: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in North East, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in North East, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $9,561 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,145 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $16,926 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $20,906 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,085 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,461 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,036 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $38,809 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's North East, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North East?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North East?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.