Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesapeake Beach, MD (2024 Update)
- Chesapeake Beach Solar Installation Cost: $12,997
- 25-Year Savings: $10,259
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesapeake Beach
We break down average solar pricing in Chesapeake Beach.
In Chesapeake Beach, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Chesapeake Beach is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,997 for a solar installation, or $18,586 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chesapeake Beach homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Chesapeake Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,583 |
| 3 years | $-8,754 |
| 5 years | $-5,925 |
| 7 years | $-3,097 |
| 9 years | $-268 |
| 11 years | $2,561 |
| 13 years | $5,390 |
| 15 years | $8,218 |
| 17 years | $11,047 |
| 19 years | $13,876 |
| 21 years | $16,704 |
| 23 years | $19,533 |
| 25 years | $22,362 |
Top Solar Installers in Chesapeake Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Chesapeake Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesapeake Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Chesapeake Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest 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 significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,540 per kilowatt in Chesapeake Beach.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chesapeake Beach provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Chesapeake Beach is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Chesapeake Beach know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,906 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,938 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,169 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,597 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,224 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,048 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,072 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,293 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Chesapeake Beach, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chesapeake Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Chesapeake Beach is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Chesapeake Beach?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chesapeake Beach, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chesapeake Beach, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.