Solar Panel Cost Guide in Havre de Grace, MD (2024 Update)

  • Havre de Grace Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,224
  • Payback Period: 15.7 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 Havre de Grace

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Havre de Grace.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Havre de Grace typically cost about 4.The average Havre de Grace homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,833 with the federal tax credit, or $19,781 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Havre de Grace find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Havre de Grace, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Havre de Grace

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 Havre de Grace

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Havre de Grace

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Havre de Grace

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Havre de Grace: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Havre de Grace’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 $8,235 16.3 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $11,376 16.0 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $14,716 15.7 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $18,253 15.4 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $21,989 15.1 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $25,924 14.7 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $30,056 14.4 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $34,387 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Havre de Grace, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.

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 Havre de Grace, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Havre de Grace?

The average cost of solar panels in Havre de Grace 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Havre de Grace?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Havre de Grace, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Havre de Grace?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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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