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.
The average cost of solar panels in La Plata 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of La Plata homeowners. The price 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in La Plata can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like La Plata, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many La Plata homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for La Plata homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much you pay. La Plata’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in La Plata know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 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 actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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?
Solar panels aren’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 help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.