Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walker Mill, MD (2024 Update)
- Walker Mill Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $12,317
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walker Mill
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Walker Mill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Walker Mill, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Walker Mill is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Walker Mill depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Walker Mill can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walker Mill
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-11,811 |
3 years | $-8,399 |
5 years | $-4,987 |
7 years | $-1,575 |
9 years | $1,837 |
11 years | $5,250 |
13 years | $8,662 |
15 years | $12,074 |
17 years | $15,486 |
19 years | $18,898 |
21 years | $22,310 |
23 years | $25,722 |
25 years | $29,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Walker Mill
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Walker Mill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walker Mill
There are many factors that can play into your 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 energy system in Walker Mill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Walker Mill to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $9,719 | 15.4 years |
8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,355 | 15.1 years |
10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,189 | 14.8 years |
12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,222 | 14.5 years |
14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,453 | 14.2 years |
16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,882 | 13.9 years |
18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,509 | 13.6 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,335 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Walker Mill, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Walker Mill?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.