Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forestville, MD (2024 Update)

  • Forestville Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,317
  • Payback Period: 14.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forestville

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Forestville.

In Forestville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Forestville homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,517 with the federal tax credit, or $19,329 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Forestville 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.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Forestville homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Forestville, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Forestville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,811
3 years $-8,399
5 years $-4,987
7 years $-1,575
9 years $1,837
11 years $5,250
13 years $8,662
15 years $12,074
17 years $15,486
19 years $18,898
21 years $22,310
23 years $25,722
25 years $29,135

Top Solar Installers in Forestville

Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Forestville:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Forestville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forestville

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Forestville is $13,517, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few 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 consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Forestville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Forestville, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Forestville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Forestville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 $3.68 $15,463 $9,719 15.4 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $13,355 15.1 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $17,189 14.8 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $21,222 14.5 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $25,453 14.2 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $29,882 13.9 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $34,509 13.6 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $39,335 13.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Forestville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly 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: Companies that have been operating for many years 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.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Forestville, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forestville?

The average cost of solar panels in Forestville is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as 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 Forestville?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

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 Forestville is currently $346,985, which means you can look forward to a value of about $14,226 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Forestville is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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