Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandywine, MD (2023 Update)
- Brandywine Solar Installation Cost: $10,577
- 25-Year Savings: $10,852
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandywine
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Brandywine.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brandywine typically cost around 2.77. Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Brandywine, the average price of going solar will be about $10,568 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Brandywine homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages 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 | $-10,505 |
| 3 years | $-10,363 |
| 5 years | $-10,220 |
| 7 years | $-10,077 |
| 9 years | $-9,934 |
| 11 years | $-9,791 |
| 13 years | $-9,648 |
| 15 years | $-9,505 |
| 17 years | $-9,363 |
| 19 years | $-9,220 |
| 21 years | $-9,077 |
| 23 years | $-8,934 |
| 25 years | $-8,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandywine
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Brandywine, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brandywine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandywine
For many Brandywine homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests 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 greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Brandywine, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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
The solar company you go with will influence 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 consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 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 $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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Brandywine?
You can't get solar panels for free in Brandywine. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brandywine is currently $370,200, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,178 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brandywine is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.