Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandywine, MD (2024 Update)

  • Brandywine Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,852
  • Payback Period: 15.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Brandywine

We break down average solar pricing in Brandywine.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brandywine, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Brandywine, the average price of going solar will be about $13,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind 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 consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brandywine find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Brandywine, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Brandywine

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,997
3 years $-8,956
5 years $-5,916
7 years $-2,875
9 years $166
11 years $3,206
13 years $6,247
15 years $9,287
17 years $12,328
19 years $15,369
21 years $18,409
23 years $21,450
25 years $24,490

Top Solar Installers in Brandywine

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Brandywine

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandywine

For many Brandywine homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brandywine, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Brandywine offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Brandywine’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brandywine know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 $3.68 $15,463 $8,108 16.4 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $11,207 16.1 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $14,504 15.8 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $17,999 15.5 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $21,693 15.1 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $25,585 14.8 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $29,675 14.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $33,964 14.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Brandywine, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. 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 deciding.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Brandywine, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brandywine?

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

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brandywine?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Brandywine, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Brandywine?

Although 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 after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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