Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Kensington, MD (2025 Update)
- North Kensington Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $12,725
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Kensington
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Kensington.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Kensington generally cost about 4.The average North Kensington homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,851 with the federal tax credit, or $19,807 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of North Kensington homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average North Kensington homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in North Kensington for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in North Kensington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,145 |
| 3 years | $-8,733 |
| 5 years | $-5,321 |
| 7 years | $-1,909 |
| 9 years | $1,503 |
| 11 years | $4,916 |
| 13 years | $8,328 |
| 15 years | $11,740 |
| 17 years | $15,152 |
| 19 years | $18,564 |
| 21 years | $21,976 |
| 23 years | $25,388 |
| 25 years | $28,801 |
Top Solar Installers in North Kensington
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in North Kensington:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in North Kensington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Kensington
While the average cost of a solar system in North Kensington is $13,851, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,540. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Kensington, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. North Kensington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $9,830 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,503 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,375 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,445 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,712 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $30,179 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,843 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,706 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-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
EcoWatch's North Kensington, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Kensington?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Kensington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Kensington, 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.
How long do solar panels last in North Kensington?
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 decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.