Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ferndale, MD (2024 Update)
- Ferndale Solar Installation Cost: $13,244
- 25-Year Savings: $10,531
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ferndale
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Ferndale.
The average cost of solar panels in Ferndale is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ferndale is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,244 for a solar installation, or $18,939 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Ferndale for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ferndale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,829 |
| 3 years | $-9,001 |
| 5 years | $-6,172 |
| 7 years | $-3,343 |
| 9 years | $-514 |
| 11 years | $2,314 |
| 13 years | $5,143 |
| 15 years | $7,972 |
| 17 years | $10,801 |
| 19 years | $13,629 |
| 21 years | $16,458 |
| 23 years | $19,287 |
| 25 years | $22,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Ferndale
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Ferndale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ferndale
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ferndale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ferndale, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ferndale homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect the cost. Ferndale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $7,994 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,055 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,314 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,771 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,427 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,281 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,333 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,583 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Ferndale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Ferndale, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ferndale?
This is a tough 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ferndale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ferndale. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Ferndale is currently $433,154, which means you could be looking at a value of about $17,759 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ferndale is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Ferndale?
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 higher 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.