Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, MD (2025 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $13,609
- 25-Year Savings: $12,553
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Chester homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,609 with the federal tax credit, or $19,461 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,896 |
| 3 years | $-8,471 |
| 5 years | $-5,045 |
| 7 years | $-1,619 |
| 9 years | $1,807 |
| 11 years | $5,233 |
| 13 years | $8,659 |
| 15 years | $12,085 |
| 17 years | $15,511 |
| 19 years | $18,936 |
| 21 years | $22,362 |
| 23 years | $25,788 |
| 25 years | $29,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
For many Chester homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,540. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Chester homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Chester, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $9,885 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,576 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,466 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,554 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,840 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $30,325 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $35,007 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,888 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Chester, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Chester?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chester, 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 much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chester, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Chester?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.