Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air South, MD (2023 Update)
- Bel Air South Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
- 25-Year Savings: $10,647
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air South
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bel Air South.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bel Air South, the average cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $10,820 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bel Air South homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Bel Air South homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bel Air South
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,419 |
| 3 years | $-9,590 |
| 5 years | $-6,761 |
| 7 years | $-3,933 |
| 9 years | $-1,104 |
| 11 years | $1,725 |
| 13 years | $4,554 |
| 15 years | $7,382 |
| 17 years | $10,211 |
| 19 years | $13,040 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,697 |
| 25 years | $21,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Bel Air South
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you 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 Bel Air South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bel Air South
For many Bel Air South homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bel Air South, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bel Air South to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Bel Air South's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $7,614 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,549 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,682 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,013 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $20,542 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $24,270 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $28,196 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $32,320 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Bel Air South, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over 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 project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Bel Air South, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bel Air South?
The average cost of solar panels in Bel Air South 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bel Air South?
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 home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bel Air South?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Bel Air South?
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.