Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bel Air South, MD (2024 Update)

  • Bel Air South Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,647
  • Payback Period: 16.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bel Air South

We break down average solar pricing in Bel Air South.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bel Air South generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Bel Air South is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,833 for a solar installation, or $19,781 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bel Air South homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Bel Air South can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Bel Air South, you can 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

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

Although the average cost of a solar system in Bel Air South is $13,833, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Bel Air South, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Bel Air South have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bel Air South homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry 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.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bel Air South?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Bel Air South?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Bel Air South. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bel Air South is currently $409,925, so you could be looking at a value of about $16,807 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bel Air South is a fruitful investment.

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 decreases 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.

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