Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kettering, MD (2025 Update)
- Kettering 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 Kettering
We break down average solar pricing in Kettering.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kettering it’s 4 per watt.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Kettering, the average price of going solar will be about $13,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kettering homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kettering find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kettering
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 Kettering
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Kettering, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Kettering
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kettering
For many Kettering homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kettering, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,540 per kilowatt in Kettering.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Kettering average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kettering provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Kettering, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Kettering, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kettering?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kettering?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Kettering?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Kettering?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.
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.