Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greenbelt, MD (2025 Update)
- Greenbelt Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,650
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greenbelt
We go over average solar pricing in Greenbelt.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Greenbelt is 4 per watt.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Greenbelt, the average price of going solar will be about $13,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Greenbelt, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Greenbelt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,957 |
| 3 years | $-8,836 |
| 5 years | $-5,716 |
| 7 years | $-2,596 |
| 9 years | $525 |
| 11 years | $3,645 |
| 13 years | $6,766 |
| 15 years | $9,886 |
| 17 years | $13,007 |
| 19 years | $16,127 |
| 21 years | $19,247 |
| 23 years | $22,368 |
| 25 years | $25,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Greenbelt
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Greenbelt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greenbelt
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Greenbelt, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Greenbelt, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Greenbelt’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,986 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,377 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,967 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,756 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $23,742 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $27,927 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $32,310 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $36,891 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
EcoWatch's Greenbelt, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Greenbelt?
The average cost of solar panels in Greenbelt 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Greenbelt?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Greenbelt?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.