Solar Panel Cost Guide in Largo, MD (2023 Update)
- Largo Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $11,326
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Largo
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Largo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Largo, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Largo is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,568 for a solar installation, or $15,112 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Largo based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Largo homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Largo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,692 |
| 3 years | $-7,940 |
| 5 years | $-6,189 |
| 7 years | $-4,437 |
| 9 years | $-2,686 |
| 11 years | $-934 |
| 13 years | $817 |
| 15 years | $2,569 |
| 17 years | $4,320 |
| 19 years | $6,072 |
| 21 years | $7,823 |
| 23 years | $9,575 |
| 25 years | $11,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Largo
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Largo, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Largo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Largo
For many Largo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Largo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $2,770. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Largo average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Largo, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Largo is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,982 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,287 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,746 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $25,361 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $30,131 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $35,056 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $40,136 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $45,371 | 10.9 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Largo, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Largo?
The average cost of solar panels in Largo is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Largo?
Solar panels aren't free in Largo, 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 you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably 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 a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Largo?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.