Solar Panel Cost Guide in North East, MD (2023 Update)
- North East Solar Installation Cost: $10,787
- 25-Year Savings: $12,415
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North East
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North East.
In North East, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average North East homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,781 with the federal tax credit, or $15,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in North East based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average North East homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North East
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,074 |
| 3 years | $-5,648 |
| 5 years | $-2,222 |
| 7 years | $1,204 |
| 9 years | $4,629 |
| 11 years | $8,055 |
| 13 years | $11,481 |
| 15 years | $14,907 |
| 17 years | $18,333 |
| 19 years | $21,759 |
| 21 years | $25,185 |
| 23 years | $28,611 |
| 25 years | $32,037 |
Top Solar Installers in North East
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in North East, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 North East
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North East
For many North East homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North East, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in North East. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like North East, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in North East, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in North East, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,924 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,543 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,316 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,245 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,329 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,568 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $42,962 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $48,511 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in North East, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 North East, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North East?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North East?
You can't get solar panels for free in North East. 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North East, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in North East?
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 replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.