Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Laurel, MD (Mar 2023)
- West Laurel Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $10,326
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Laurel
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Laurel.
The average cost of solar panels in West Laurel is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Laurel, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,568, or $15,112 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Laurel find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Laurel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,732 |
| 3 years | $-8,060 |
| 5 years | $-6,389 |
| 7 years | $-4,717 |
| 9 years | $-3,046 |
| 11 years | $-1,374 |
| 13 years | $297 |
| 15 years | $1,969 |
| 17 years | $3,640 |
| 19 years | $5,312 |
| 21 years | $6,983 |
| 23 years | $8,655 |
| 25 years | $10,326 |
Top Solar Installers in West Laurel
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in West Laurel, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in West Laurel:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
See all of the solar companies in West Laurel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Laurel
The cost of installing a solar system in West Laurel can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in West Laurel. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West Laurel homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Laurel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in West Laurel, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,883 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,820 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,913 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,161 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,564 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,123 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,836 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,704 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in West Laurel, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's West Laurel, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Laurel?
The average cost of solar panels in West Laurel 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Laurel?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $766.06 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Laurel?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.