Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sykesville, MD (2024 Update)
- Sykesville Solar Installation Cost: $14,044
- 25-Year Savings: $7,619
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sykesville
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Sykesville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sykesville, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Sykesville, the average price of going solar will be about $14,044 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Sykesville homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sykesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,629 |
| 3 years | $-9,801 |
| 5 years | $-6,972 |
| 7 years | $-4,143 |
| 9 years | $-1,315 |
| 11 years | $1,514 |
| 13 years | $4,343 |
| 15 years | $7,172 |
| 17 years | $10,000 |
| 19 years | $12,829 |
| 21 years | $15,658 |
| 23 years | $18,487 |
| 25 years | $21,315 |
Top Solar Installers in Sykesville
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Sykesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sykesville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Sykesville: 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 size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,540. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sykesville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Sykesville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $4,238 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $6,047 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $8,054 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $10,260 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $12,663 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $15,266 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $18,066 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $21,064 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Sykesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Sykesville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sykesville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sykesville is currently $517,948, so you could be looking at a value of about $21,236 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sykesville is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.