Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salisbury, MD (2024 Update)
- Salisbury Solar Installation Cost: $13,360
- 25-Year Savings: $14,450
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salisbury
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Salisbury.
The average cost of a solar system in Salisbury is 4 per watt.Because a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Salisbury, the average price of going solar will be about $13,360 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Salisbury 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.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Salisbury homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Salisbury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salisbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,647 |
| 3 years | $-8,221 |
| 5 years | $-4,795 |
| 7 years | $-1,369 |
| 9 years | $2,057 |
| 11 years | $5,483 |
| 13 years | $8,909 |
| 15 years | $12,335 |
| 17 years | $15,760 |
| 19 years | $19,186 |
| 21 years | $22,612 |
| 23 years | $26,038 |
| 25 years | $29,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Salisbury
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Salisbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salisbury
Although the average cost of a solar system in Salisbury is $13,360, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Salisbury, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Salisbury, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $12,253 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $16,733 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $21,412 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $26,289 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $31,365 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $36,638 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $42,110 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $47,780 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Salisbury, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salisbury?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Salisbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Salisbury?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.