Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frederick, MD (2023 Update)
- Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $10,990
- 25-Year Savings: $5,334
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frederick
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Frederick.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Frederick it's 2.77 per watt. The average Frederick homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,994 with the federal tax credit, or $15,721 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Frederick, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frederick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,935 |
| 3 years | $-10,826 |
| 5 years | $-10,718 |
| 7 years | $-10,609 |
| 9 years | $-10,500 |
| 11 years | $-10,391 |
| 13 years | $-10,282 |
| 15 years | $-10,174 |
| 17 years | $-10,065 |
| 19 years | $-9,956 |
| 21 years | $-9,847 |
| 23 years | $-9,738 |
| 25 years | $-9,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Frederick
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Frederick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frederick
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Frederick: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Frederick, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Frederick have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. 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
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $5,181 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,218 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,410 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,758 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $14,260 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $16,918 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,730 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,698 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Frederick, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frederick?
The average cost of solar panels in Frederick 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my 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 Frederick is currently $312,816, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,825 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Frederick is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Frederick?
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 higher amount 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.