Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenarden, MD (2024 Update)
- Glenarden Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,317
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenarden
We go over average solar pricing in Glenarden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Glenarden it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Glenarden, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,517, or $19,329 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Glenarden see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Glenarden, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glenarden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,103 |
| 3 years | $-9,274 |
| 5 years | $-6,445 |
| 7 years | $-3,616 |
| 9 years | $-788 |
| 11 years | $2,041 |
| 13 years | $4,870 |
| 15 years | $7,698 |
| 17 years | $10,527 |
| 19 years | $13,356 |
| 21 years | $16,185 |
| 23 years | $19,013 |
| 25 years | $21,842 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenarden
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Glenarden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenarden
Although the average cost of a solar system in Glenarden is $13,517, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Glenarden provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Glenarden is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that 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 choose a 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 | $8,619 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,889 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,356 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,022 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $22,887 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $26,949 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $31,210 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $35,669 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Glenarden, 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:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Glenarden, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glenarden?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Glenarden, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Glenarden?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.