Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walker Mill, MD (2023 Update)
- Walker Mill Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $12,326
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walker Mill
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Walker Mill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Walker Mill it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Walker Mill is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,568 for a solar installation, or $15,112 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Walker Mill homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Walker Mill homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walker Mill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,652 |
| 3 years | $-7,820 |
| 5 years | $-5,989 |
| 7 years | $-4,157 |
| 9 years | $-2,326 |
| 11 years | $-494 |
| 13 years | $1,337 |
| 15 years | $3,169 |
| 17 years | $5,000 |
| 19 years | $6,832 |
| 21 years | $8,663 |
| 23 years | $10,495 |
| 25 years | $12,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Walker Mill
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Walker Mill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walker Mill
There are a number of 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 $2,770. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Walker Mill offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Walker Mill, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Walker Mill are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $13,082 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,753 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,579 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,561 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,697 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,989 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,435 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $49,037 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Walker Mill, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walker Mill?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Walker Mill?
Solar panels aren't free in Walker Mill, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Walker Mill have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.