Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shady Side, MD (Mar 2023)
- Shady Side Solar Installation Cost: $10,354
- 25-Year Savings: $10,540
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shady Side
We go over average solar pricing in Shady Side.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shady Side typically cost around 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $10,354 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Shady Side homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shady Side
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,518 |
| 3 years | $-7,847 |
| 5 years | $-6,175 |
| 7 years | $-4,504 |
| 9 years | $-2,832 |
| 11 years | $-1,161 |
| 13 years | $511 |
| 15 years | $2,182 |
| 17 years | $3,854 |
| 19 years | $5,525 |
| 21 years | $7,197 |
| 23 years | $8,868 |
| 25 years | $10,540 |
Top Solar Installers in Shady Side
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Shady Side, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Shady Side
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shady Side
For many Shady Side homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Shady Side, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shady Side homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Shady Side is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,357 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,453 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,704 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,110 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,671 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,387 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,259 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,285 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Shady Side, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shady Side?
The average cost of solar panels in Shady Side 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.