Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middle River, MD (2024 Update)

  • Middle River Solar Installation Cost: $13,849
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,057
  • Payback Period: 16.6 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 Middle River

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Middle River.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middle River it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Middle River is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,849 for a solar installation, or $19,804 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Middle River based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Middle River that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Middle River

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,435
3 years $-9,606
5 years $-6,777
7 years $-3,949
9 years $-1,120
11 years $1,709
13 years $4,538
15 years $7,366
17 years $10,195
19 years $13,024
21 years $15,853
23 years $18,681
25 years $21,510

Top Solar Installers in Middle River

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer 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 start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Middle River

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middle River

There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,540. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Middle River to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Middle River homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Middle River, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $6,968 17.2 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $9,687 16.9 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $12,605 16.6 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $15,720 16.2 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $19,034 15.9 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $22,546 15.6 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $26,257 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $30,165 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it 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 Middle River, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middle River?

The average cost of solar panels in Middle River 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $747.69 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.

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