Solar Panel Cost Guide in Accokeek, MD (2024 Update)
- Accokeek Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $10,643
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Accokeek
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Accokeek.
In Accokeek, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Accokeek is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Accokeek depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Accokeek homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Accokeek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Accokeek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,904 |
| 3 years | $-8,678 |
| 5 years | $-5,451 |
| 7 years | $-2,225 |
| 9 years | $1,002 |
| 11 years | $4,228 |
| 13 years | $7,454 |
| 15 years | $10,681 |
| 17 years | $13,907 |
| 19 years | $17,133 |
| 21 years | $20,360 |
| 23 years | $23,586 |
| 25 years | $26,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Accokeek
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, 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 recommendations for providers in Accokeek:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Accokeek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Accokeek
Though the average cost of a solar system in Accokeek is $13,517, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need 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 a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Accokeek to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Accokeek’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,877 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,900 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,120 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,539 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,156 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $24,971 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $28,985 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,197 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Accokeek, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Accokeek?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. 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.
How long do solar panels last in Accokeek?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.