Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Laurel, MD (2025 Update)
- West Laurel Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $10,317
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Laurel
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Laurel.
In West Laurel, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Laurel, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,517, or $19,329 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average West Laurel homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 West Laurel
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-12,103 |
3 years | $-9,274 |
5 years | $-6,445 |
7 years | $-3,616 |
9 years | $-788 |
11 years | $2,041 |
13 years | $4,870 |
15 years | $7,698 |
17 years | $10,527 |
19 years | $13,356 |
21 years | $16,185 |
23 years | $19,013 |
25 years | $21,842 |
Top Solar Installers in West Laurel
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 West Laurel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Laurel
For many West Laurel homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Laurel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 nearly $3,540. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Laurel, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Laurel homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. West Laurel’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,519 | 16.8 years |
8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,422 | 16.5 years |
10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,523 | 16.2 years |
12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $16,823 | 15.9 years |
14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $20,320 | 15.5 years |
16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $24,016 | 15.2 years |
18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $27,910 | 14.9 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $32,002 | 14.6 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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.
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 West Laurel, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Laurel?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality 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 less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Laurel?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West Laurel, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my 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 West Laurel is currently $599,763, so you could be looking at a value of about $24,590 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Laurel is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in West Laurel?
Although 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 replace them after having 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.