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

  • Fruitland Solar Installation Cost: $13,360
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,828
  • Payback Period: 13.2 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 Fruitland

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fruitland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fruitland it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $13,360 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Fruitland, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fruitland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,647
3 years $-8,221
5 years $-4,795
7 years $-1,369
9 years $2,057
11 years $5,483
13 years $8,909
15 years $12,335
17 years $15,760
19 years $19,186
21 years $22,612
23 years $26,038
25 years $29,464

Top Solar Installers in Fruitland

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Fruitland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruitland

The cost of installing a solar system in Fruitland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,540 per kilowatt in Fruitland.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fruitland, 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 a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fruitland, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fruitland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Fruitland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $12,673 13.7 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $17,294 13.5 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $22,114 13.2 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $27,131 12.9 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $32,347 12.7 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $37,761 12.4 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $43,373 12.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $49,183 11.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Fruitland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’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.

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 Fruitland, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fruitland?

The average cost of solar panels in Fruitland 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Fruitland?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Fruitland. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Fruitland?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty 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 consumption and how much 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 get 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.

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