Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sykesville, MD (2023 Update)
- Sykesville Solar Installation Cost: $10,989
- 25-Year Savings: $7,619
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sykesville generally cost around 2.77. Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sykesville, the average price of going solar will be about $10,994 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sykesville homeowners. The price 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. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sykesville see about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Sykesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sykesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-10,803 |
| 5 years | $-10,679 |
| 7 years | $-10,555 |
| 9 years | $-10,431 |
| 11 years | $-10,307 |
| 13 years | $-10,183 |
| 15 years | $-10,059 |
| 17 years | $-9,935 |
| 19 years | $-9,811 |
| 21 years | $-9,686 |
| 23 years | $-9,562 |
| 25 years | $-9,438 |
Top Solar Installers in Sykesville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Sykesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sykesville
There are several criteria 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Sykesville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sykesville to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sykesville 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
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sykesville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $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
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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-standing 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Sykesville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 things like the type 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 attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
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 the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.