Solar Panel Cost Guide in North East, MD (2024 Update)
- North East Solar Installation Cost: $13,786
- 25-Year Savings: $12,415
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North East
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in North East.
In North East, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in North East, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,786, or $19,714 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in North East see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in North East
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,073 |
| 3 years | $-8,647 |
| 5 years | $-5,221 |
| 7 years | $-1,795 |
| 9 years | $1,631 |
| 11 years | $5,057 |
| 13 years | $8,483 |
| 15 years | $11,909 |
| 17 years | $15,334 |
| 19 years | $18,760 |
| 21 years | $22,186 |
| 23 years | $25,612 |
| 25 years | $29,038 |
Top Solar Installers in North East
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 North East
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North East
The cost of installing a solar system in North East can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in North East offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in North East is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.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 choose a company that provides 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 | $9,561 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,145 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $16,926 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $20,906 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,085 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,461 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,036 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $38,809 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types 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 take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 North East, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North East?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North East?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North East is currently $352,699, so you could be looking at a value of about $14,461 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North East is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.