Solar Panel Cost Guide in Taneytown, MD (2024 Update)
- Taneytown Solar Installation Cost: $14,044
- 25-Year Savings: $7,619
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Taneytown
We break down average solar pricing in Taneytown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Taneytown, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Taneytown, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,044, or $20,083 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Taneytown homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Taneytown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Taneytown
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-12,629 |
3 years | $-9,801 |
5 years | $-6,972 |
7 years | $-4,143 |
9 years | $-1,315 |
11 years | $1,514 |
13 years | $4,343 |
15 years | $7,172 |
17 years | $10,000 |
19 years | $12,829 |
21 years | $15,658 |
23 years | $18,487 |
25 years | $21,315 |
Top Solar Installers in Taneytown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Taneytown:
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 Taneytown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Taneytown
There are many criteria that can affect your total 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Taneytown is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,238 | 19.6 years |
8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $6,047 | 19.2 years |
10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $8,054 | 18.9 years |
12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $10,260 | 18.5 years |
14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $12,663 | 18.1 years |
16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $15,266 | 17.7 years |
18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $18,066 | 17.4 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $21,064 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- 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 go with.
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 Taneytown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Taneytown?
The average cost of solar panels in Taneytown 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Taneytown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Taneytown?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.