Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenmont, MD (2024 Update)
- Glenmont Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $12,725
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenmont
We break down average solar pricing in Glenmont.
In Glenmont, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Glenmont 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.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Glenmont depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Glenmont for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Glenmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,145 |
| 3 years | $-8,733 |
| 5 years | $-5,321 |
| 7 years | $-1,909 |
| 9 years | $1,503 |
| 11 years | $4,916 |
| 13 years | $8,328 |
| 15 years | $11,740 |
| 17 years | $15,152 |
| 19 years | $18,564 |
| 21 years | $21,976 |
| 23 years | $25,388 |
| 25 years | $28,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenmont
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Glenmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenmont
The cost of installing a solar system in Glenmont can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,540. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Glenmont homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Glenmont is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 discount 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 | $9,830 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,503 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,375 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,445 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,712 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $30,179 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,843 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,706 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Glenmont, 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, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Glenmont, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glenmont?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Glenmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Glenmont, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.