Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockville, CT (2024 Update)
- Rockville Solar Installation Cost: $12,322
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rockville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockville, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Rockville, the average price of going solar will be about $12,322 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember 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 needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rockville see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Rockville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rockville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,478 |
| 3 years | $-6,790 |
| 5 years | $-3,102 |
| 7 years | $586 |
| 9 years | $4,274 |
| 11 years | $7,962 |
| 13 years | $11,650 |
| 15 years | $15,338 |
| 17 years | $19,026 |
| 19 years | $22,714 |
| 21 years | $26,402 |
| 23 years | $30,090 |
| 25 years | $33,778 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockville
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Rockville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockville
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 Rockville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Rockville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rockville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockville to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Rockville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rockville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.90 | $16,380 | $18,156 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,629 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,311 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,203 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,305 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,617 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,139 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,872 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Rockville, 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:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes 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 installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Rockville, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Rockville?
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 amount 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.