Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frostburg, MD (2023 Update)
- Frostburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,244
- 25-Year Savings: $5,079
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frostburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Frostburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Frostburg it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Frostburg is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,246 for a solar installation, or $16,082 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Frostburg can save about $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Frostburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frostburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,991 |
| 3 years | $-7,486 |
| 5 years | $-4,981 |
| 7 years | $-2,476 |
| 9 years | $29 |
| 11 years | $2,534 |
| 13 years | $5,039 |
| 15 years | $7,544 |
| 17 years | $10,050 |
| 19 years | $12,555 |
| 21 years | $15,060 |
| 23 years | $17,565 |
| 25 years | $20,070 |
Top Solar Installers in Frostburg
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Frostburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frostburg
For many Frostburg homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Frostburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Frostburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Frostburg, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,790 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $6,697 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $8,759 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $10,976 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $13,348 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $15,876 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $18,558 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $21,396 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Frostburg, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Frostburg, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Frostburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Frostburg?
A solar panel system isn't free in Frostburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.