Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centreville, MD (2024 Update)
- Centreville Solar Installation Cost: $13,609
- 25-Year Savings: $14,633
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centreville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Centreville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Centreville typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $13,609 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Centreville homeowners. The cost 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Centreville can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centreville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,896 |
| 3 years | $-8,471 |
| 5 years | $-5,045 |
| 7 years | $-1,619 |
| 9 years | $1,807 |
| 11 years | $5,233 |
| 13 years | $8,659 |
| 15 years | $12,085 |
| 17 years | $15,511 |
| 19 years | $18,936 |
| 21 years | $22,362 |
| 23 years | $25,788 |
| 25 years | $29,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Centreville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Centreville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centreville
The cost of installing a solar system in Centreville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 nearly $3,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Centreville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Centreville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $12,157 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $16,606 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $21,253 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $26,098 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $31,142 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $36,383 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $41,823 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $47,462 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Centreville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Centreville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centreville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Centreville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
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 a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger level 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.