Solar Panel Cost Guide in North East, MD (Feb 2023)
- North East Solar Installation Cost: $10,781
- 25-Year Savings: $12,421
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North East
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in North East.
The average cost of solar panels in North East is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.6 would cost about $10,781 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. 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 | $-9,853 |
| 3 years | $-7,997 |
| 5 years | $-6,140 |
| 7 years | $-4,284 |
| 9 years | $-2,428 |
| 11 years | $-572 |
| 13 years | $1,284 |
| 15 years | $3,141 |
| 17 years | $4,997 |
| 19 years | $6,853 |
| 21 years | $8,709 |
| 23 years | $10,565 |
| 25 years | $12,421 |
Top Solar Installers in North East
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 North East
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North East
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in North East: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North East to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: When looking through 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 like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 North East, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North East?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North East?
A solar panel system isn't free in North East, 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.
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.