Solar Panel Cost Guide in Timonium, MD (2023 Update)

  • Timonium Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,055
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Timonium

Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Timonium.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Timonium, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Timonium, the average price of going solar will be about $10,839 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Timonium find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Timonium

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,003
3 years $-8,332
5 years $-6,660
7 years $-4,989
9 years $-3,317
11 years $-1,646
13 years $26
15 years $1,697
17 years $3,369
19 years $5,040
21 years $6,712
23 years $8,383
25 years $10,055

Top Solar Installers in Timonium

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Timonium

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Timonium

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Timonium: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Timonium, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, 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

Most solar installers in Timonium have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Timonium, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

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 $10,331 13.5 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $14,085 13.2 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $17,995 13.0 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $22,059 12.7 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $26,278 12.4 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $30,653 12.2 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $35,182 11.9 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $39,867 11.7 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:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Timonium, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Timonium?

The average cost of solar panels in Timonium is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Timonium?

You can't get solar panels for free in Timonium. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Timonium is currently $376,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,453 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Timonium is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Timonium?

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 higher 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.

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