Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crofton, MD (2023 Update)
- Crofton Solar Installation Cost: $10,354
- 25-Year Savings: $10,540
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crofton
We break down average solar pricing in Crofton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Crofton generally cost about 2.77. The average Crofton homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,354 with the federal tax credit, or $14,806 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Crofton depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Crofton homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crofton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,518 |
| 3 years | $-7,847 |
| 5 years | $-6,175 |
| 7 years | $-4,504 |
| 9 years | $-2,832 |
| 11 years | $-1,161 |
| 13 years | $511 |
| 15 years | $2,182 |
| 17 years | $3,854 |
| 19 years | $5,525 |
| 21 years | $7,197 |
| 23 years | $8,868 |
| 25 years | $10,540 |
Top Solar Installers in Crofton
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Crofton:
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 Crofton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crofton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Crofton is $10,354, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Crofton. The brand and type 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, 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 energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Crofton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Crofton is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,357 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,453 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,704 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,110 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,671 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,387 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,259 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,285 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Crofton, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crofton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Crofton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.