Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shady Side, MD (2024 Update)
- Shady Side Solar Installation Cost: $13,244
- 25-Year Savings: $10,531
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shady Side
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Shady Side.
In Shady Side, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Shady Side homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,244 with the federal tax credit, or $18,939 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Shady Side homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Shady Side can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shady Side
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,829 |
| 3 years | $-9,001 |
| 5 years | $-6,172 |
| 7 years | $-3,343 |
| 9 years | $-514 |
| 11 years | $2,314 |
| 13 years | $5,143 |
| 15 years | $7,972 |
| 17 years | $10,801 |
| 19 years | $13,629 |
| 21 years | $16,458 |
| 23 years | $19,287 |
| 25 years | $22,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Shady Side
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Shady Side
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shady Side
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,540 per kilowatt in Shady Side.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shady Side, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shady Side to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Shady Side homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Shady Side is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $7,994 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,055 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,314 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,771 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,427 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,281 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,333 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,583 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Shady Side, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Shady Side, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shady Side?
The average cost of solar panels in Shady Side is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Does Shady Side have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.