Solar Panel Cost Guide in St James, MD (Mar 2023)
- St James Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
- 25-Year Savings: $5,265
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St James
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in St James.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St James typically cost about 2.77. Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in St James, the average price of going solar will be about $11,072 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St James homeowner. The price 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. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in St James can save around $11,000 on their power 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 St James
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,418 |
| 3 years | $-9,111 |
| 5 years | $-7,804 |
| 7 years | $-6,498 |
| 9 years | $-5,191 |
| 11 years | $-3,884 |
| 13 years | $-2,577 |
| 15 years | $-1,270 |
| 17 years | $37 |
| 19 years | $1,344 |
| 21 years | $2,651 |
| 23 years | $3,958 |
| 25 years | $5,265 |
Top Solar Installers in St James
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 St James
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St James
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in St James: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many St James homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in St James, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $5,067 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,066 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,220 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,529 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $13,994 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $16,613 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,388 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,318 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain 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.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 St James, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St James?
The average cost of solar panels in St James 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St James?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in St James, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.