Solar Panel Cost Guide in Easton, MD (2024 Update)
- Easton Solar Installation Cost: $13,534
- 25-Year Savings: $13,656
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Easton
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Easton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Easton generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $13,534 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Easton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,821 |
| 3 years | $-8,396 |
| 5 years | $-4,970 |
| 7 years | $-1,544 |
| 9 years | $1,882 |
| 11 years | $5,308 |
| 13 years | $8,734 |
| 15 years | $12,160 |
| 17 years | $15,586 |
| 19 years | $19,012 |
| 21 years | $22,437 |
| 23 years | $25,863 |
| 25 years | $29,289 |
Top Solar Installers in Easton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Easton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Easton:
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 Easton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Easton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Easton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Easton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Easton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Easton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Easton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $11,173 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $15,294 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $19,613 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $24,130 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $28,846 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $33,760 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $38,872 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $44,182 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Easton, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Easton?
The average cost of solar panels in Easton 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.