Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garrison, MD (Mar 2023)
- Garrison Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
- 25-Year Savings: $10,055
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garrison
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Garrison.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Garrison, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $10,839 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Garrison homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Garrison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,003 |
| 3 years | $-8,332 |
| 5 years | $-6,660 |
| 7 years | $-4,989 |
| 9 years | $-3,317 |
| 11 years | $-1,646 |
| 13 years | $26 |
| 15 years | $1,697 |
| 17 years | $3,369 |
| 19 years | $5,040 |
| 21 years | $6,712 |
| 23 years | $8,383 |
| 25 years | $10,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Garrison
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Garrison, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Garrison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garrison
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Garrison: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Garrison, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Garrison is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,331 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,085 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,995 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,059 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,278 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,653 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,182 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,867 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Garrison, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Garrison?
The average cost of solar panels in Garrison is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 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.
Are solar panels free in Garrison?
You can't get solar panels for free in Garrison. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Garrison?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.