Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. James, MD (2025 Update)
- St. James Solar Installation Cost: $14,149
- 25-Year Savings: $5,265
- Payback Period: 21.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. James
We break down average solar pricing in St. James.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. James, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $14,149 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. James
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,897 |
| 3 years | $-10,392 |
| 5 years | $-7,886 |
| 7 years | $-5,381 |
| 9 years | $-2,876 |
| 11 years | $-371 |
| 13 years | $2,134 |
| 15 years | $4,639 |
| 17 years | $7,144 |
| 19 years | $9,649 |
| 21 years | $12,155 |
| 23 years | $14,660 |
| 25 years | $17,165 |
Top Solar Installers in St. James
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 St. James
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. James
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in St. James: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like St. James, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. James, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for St. James homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down 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 St. James is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in St. James know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $1,703 | 22.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,667 | 22.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,830 | 21.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $5,191 | 21.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,750 | 20.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $8,507 | 20.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $10,462 | 19.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $12,616 | 19.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 St. James, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. James?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does St. James 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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in St. James?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.