Solar Panel Cost Guide in Accokeek, MD (2023 Update)
- Accokeek Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $10,652
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Accokeek
We go over average solar pricing in Accokeek.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Accokeek it's 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $10,568 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Accokeek homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Accokeek for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Accokeek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,719 |
| 3 years | $-8,021 |
| 5 years | $-6,324 |
| 7 years | $-4,626 |
| 9 years | $-2,929 |
| 11 years | $-1,231 |
| 13 years | $467 |
| 15 years | $2,164 |
| 17 years | $3,862 |
| 19 years | $5,559 |
| 21 years | $7,257 |
| 23 years | $8,954 |
| 25 years | $10,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Accokeek
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Accokeek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Accokeek
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Accokeek, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Accokeek, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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're only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Accokeek is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Accokeek know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,241 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,298 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,510 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,878 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,400 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,078 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,911 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,899 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Accokeek, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Accokeek, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Accokeek?
The average cost of solar panels in Accokeek is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Accokeek?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $778.01 per year.
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 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.