Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beltsville, MD (2025 Update)

  • Beltsville Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,218
  • Payback Period: 15.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beltsville

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Beltsville.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Beltsville typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Beltsville, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,517, or $19,329 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Beltsville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-11,928
3 years$-8,749
5 years$-5,570
7 years$-2,391
9 years$787
11 years$3,966
13 years$7,145
15 years$10,324
17 years$13,502
19 years$16,681
21 years$19,860
23 years$23,039
25 years$26,218

Top Solar Installers in Beltsville

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Beltsville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beltsville

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Beltsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Beltsville, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Beltsville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Most solar installers in Beltsville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Beltsville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.68$15,463$9,16915.7 years
8 kW$3.61$20,220$12,62215.4 years
10 kW$3.54$24,780$16,27315.1 years
12 kW$3.47$29,141$20,12214.8 years
14 kW$3.40$33,304$24,17014.5 years
16 kW$3.33$37,269$28,41514.2 years
18 kW$3.26$41,036$32,85913.9 years
20 kW$3.19$44,604$37,50213.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Beltsville?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Beltsville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Does Beltsville have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Beltsville?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.