Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sykesville, MD (2023 Update)
- Sykesville Solar Installation Cost: $10,994
- 25-Year Savings: $7,614
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sykesville
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sykesville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sykesville it's 2.77 per watt. The average Sykesville homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,994 with the federal tax credit, or $15,721 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Sykesville homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sykesville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sykesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,250 |
| 3 years | $-8,761 |
| 5 years | $-7,272 |
| 7 years | $-5,784 |
| 9 years | $-4,295 |
| 11 years | $-2,806 |
| 13 years | $-1,318 |
| 15 years | $171 |
| 17 years | $1,660 |
| 19 years | $3,148 |
| 21 years | $4,637 |
| 23 years | $6,126 |
| 25 years | $7,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Sykesville
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sykesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sykesville
While the average cost of a solar system in Sykesville is $10,994, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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 generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sykesville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sykesville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sykesville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,601 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $10,445 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $13,444 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $16,598 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $19,908 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $23,372 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $26,992 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $30,766 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Sykesville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sykesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Sykesville 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 such as 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 Sykesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Sykesville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.