Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandywine, MD (Mar 2023)
- Brandywine Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $10,861
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandywine
We break down average solar pricing in Brandywine.
In Brandywine, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Brandywine is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,568 for a solar installation, or $15,112 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 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 Brandywine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,710 |
| 3 years | $-7,996 |
| 5 years | $-6,282 |
| 7 years | $-4,567 |
| 9 years | $-2,853 |
| 11 years | $-1,139 |
| 13 years | $575 |
| 15 years | $2,290 |
| 17 years | $4,004 |
| 19 years | $5,718 |
| 21 years | $7,433 |
| 23 years | $9,147 |
| 25 years | $10,861 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandywine
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Brandywine, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brandywine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandywine
For many Brandywine homeowners, the decision to go solar 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 considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production 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 $2,770. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Brandywine, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Brandywine, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brandywine have more knowledge 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 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 | $11,471 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,605 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,894 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,338 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,937 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,692 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,601 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,666 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Brandywine, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brandywine?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brandywine?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.