Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calverton, MD (Mar 2023)
- Calverton Solar Installation Cost: $10,703
- 25-Year Savings: $11,190
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calverton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Calverton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Calverton it's 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Calverton, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,703, or $15,305 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Calverton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Calverton homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calverton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,828 |
| 3 years | $-8,076 |
| 5 years | $-6,325 |
| 7 years | $-4,573 |
| 9 years | $-2,822 |
| 11 years | $-1,070 |
| 13 years | $681 |
| 15 years | $2,433 |
| 17 years | $4,184 |
| 19 years | $5,936 |
| 21 years | $7,687 |
| 23 years | $9,439 |
| 25 years | $11,190 |
Top Solar Installers in Calverton
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Calverton:
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 Calverton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calverton
For many Calverton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Calverton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly 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 main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require 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. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Calverton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Calverton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 vehicle 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,692 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,900 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,262 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,780 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,453 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $34,281 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $39,264 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $44,403 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Calverton, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calverton?
The average cost of solar panels in Calverton is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Calverton?
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 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.