Solar Panel Cost Guide in Randallstown, MD (2023 Update)
- Randallstown Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
- 25-Year Savings: $10,055
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Randallstown
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Randallstown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Randallstown typically cost around 2.77. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Randallstown, 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Randallstown find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Randallstown
| 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 Randallstown
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Randallstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Randallstown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Randallstown is $10,839, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Randallstown. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Randallstown, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Randallstown is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Randallstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Randallstown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Randallstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Randallstown is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Randallstown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Randallstown. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Randallstown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.