Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Laurel, MD (2024 Update)
- North Laurel Solar Installation Cost: $13,837
- 25-Year Savings: $10,067
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Laurel
We break down average solar pricing in North Laurel.
In North Laurel, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in North Laurel, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,837, or $19,787 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average North Laurel homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Laurel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,422 |
| 3 years | $-9,594 |
| 5 years | $-6,765 |
| 7 years | $-3,936 |
| 9 years | $-1,107 |
| 11 years | $1,721 |
| 13 years | $4,550 |
| 15 years | $7,379 |
| 17 years | $10,208 |
| 19 years | $13,036 |
| 21 years | $15,865 |
| 23 years | $18,694 |
| 25 years | $21,523 |
Top Solar Installers in North Laurel
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Laurel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Laurel
Even though the average cost of a solar system in North Laurel is $13,837, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $3,540. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Laurel average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Laurel is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $6,988 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,714 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,639 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,761 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,082 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,601 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,318 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,233 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in North Laurel, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- 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 the installation process.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Laurel, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Laurel?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Laurel?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.