Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pikesville, MD (2023 Update)

  • Pikesville Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,055
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pikesville

We go over average solar pricing in Pikesville.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pikesville generally cost around 2.77. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Pikesville, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,839, or $15,500 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Pikesville can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Pikesville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,003
3 years $-8,332
5 years $-6,660
7 years $-4,989
9 years $-3,317
11 years $-1,646
13 years $26
15 years $1,697
17 years $3,369
19 years $5,040
21 years $6,712
23 years $8,383
25 years $10,055

Top Solar Installers in Pikesville

When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're searching for a solar company in Pikesville, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Pikesville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pikesville

For many Pikesville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pikesville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Pikesville, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pikesville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $10,331 13.5 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $14,085 13.2 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $17,995 13.0 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $22,059 12.7 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $26,278 12.4 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $30,653 12.2 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $35,182 11.9 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $39,867 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Pikesville, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pikesville?

The average cost of solar panels in Pikesville is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pikesville?

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 can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $747.69 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Pikesville?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.

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