Solar Panel Cost Guide in Naval Academy, MD (2024 Update)

  • Naval Academy Solar Installation Cost: $13,244
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,531
  • Payback Period: 15.8 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Naval Academy

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Naval Academy.

The average cost of solar panels in Naval Academy is 4 per watt.Since a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Naval Academy, the average price of going solar will be about $13,244 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Naval Academy homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Naval Academy homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Naval Academy

YearReturn 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 Naval Academy

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Naval Academy:

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 Naval Academy

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Naval Academy

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Naval Academy is $13,244, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Naval Academy, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Naval Academy average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Naval Academy provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Naval Academy, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Naval Academy have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.68$15,463$7,99416.5 years
8 kW$3.61$20,220$11,05516.2 years
10 kW$3.54$24,780$14,31415.8 years
12 kW$3.47$29,141$17,77115.5 years
14 kW$3.40$33,304$21,42715.2 years
16 kW$3.33$37,269$25,28114.9 years
18 kW$3.26$41,036$29,33314.6 years
20 kW$3.19$44,604$33,58314.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Naval Academy, 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:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.

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 Naval Academy, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Naval Academy?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Naval Academy?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How long do solar panels last in Naval Academy?

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 larger 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.