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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandywine
We break down average solar pricing in Brandywine.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brandywine it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Brandywine 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brandywine 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.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Brandywine homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Brandywine, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Brandywine, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brandywine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandywine
For many Brandywine homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on 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 a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,540. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Brandywine, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Brandywine’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Brandywine, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 certain factors 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 option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $785.68 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Brandywine?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.