Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Plata, MD (2024 Update)
- La Plata Solar Installation Cost: $13,435
- 25-Year Savings: $9,452
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Plata
We go over average solar pricing in La Plata.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Plata, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $13,435 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average La Plata homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in La Plata for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in La Plata
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,100 |
| 3 years | $-9,431 |
| 5 years | $-6,762 |
| 7 years | $-4,093 |
| 9 years | $-1,424 |
| 11 years | $1,245 |
| 13 years | $3,914 |
| 15 years | $6,583 |
| 17 years | $9,252 |
| 19 years | $11,921 |
| 21 years | $14,590 |
| 23 years | $17,260 |
| 25 years | $19,929 |
Top Solar Installers in La Plata
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in La Plata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Plata
The cost of installing a solar system in La Plata can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in La Plata, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for La Plata homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Plata is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 | $6,631 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,238 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,043 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,046 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $18,248 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $21,648 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $25,246 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $29,042 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's La Plata, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Plata?
The average cost of solar panels in La Plata 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in La Plata?
A solar panel system isn’t free in La Plata, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.