Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beltsville, MD (2023 Update)
- Beltsville Solar Installation Cost: $10,577
- 25-Year Savings: $11,817
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beltsville
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Beltsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Beltsville 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Beltsville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Beltsville find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Beltsville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Beltsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,502 |
| 3 years | $-10,353 |
| 5 years | $-10,204 |
| 7 years | $-10,054 |
| 9 years | $-9,905 |
| 11 years | $-9,756 |
| 13 years | $-9,606 |
| 15 years | $-9,457 |
| 17 years | $-9,308 |
| 19 years | $-9,159 |
| 21 years | $-9,009 |
| 23 years | $-8,860 |
| 25 years | $-8,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Beltsville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Beltsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beltsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Beltsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Beltsville. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Beltsville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 can only 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
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Beltsville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $12,532 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,020 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $21,663 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $26,461 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $31,414 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $36,522 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $41,785 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $47,204 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations 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 make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Beltsville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Beltsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Beltsville 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Beltsville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Beltsville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Beltsville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 household 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.