Solar Panel Cost Guide in Germantown, MD (2024 Update)
- Germantown Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $8,939
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Germantown
See how much it might cost to go solar in Germantown.
In Germantown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Germantown homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,851 with the federal tax credit, or $19,807 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Germantown homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Germantown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Germantown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,508 |
| 3 years | $-9,821 |
| 5 years | $-7,135 |
| 7 years | $-4,448 |
| 9 years | $-1,762 |
| 11 years | $925 |
| 13 years | $3,611 |
| 15 years | $6,298 |
| 17 years | $8,984 |
| 19 years | $11,671 |
| 21 years | $14,358 |
| 23 years | $17,044 |
| 25 years | $19,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Germantown
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Germantown, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Germantown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Germantown
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Germantown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Germantown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Germantown, 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $5,766 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $8,085 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $10,602 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $13,317 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $16,230 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $19,341 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $22,651 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $26,159 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Germantown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Germantown?
The average cost of solar panels in Germantown 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Germantown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Germantown have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.