Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leonardtown, MD (2023 Update)
- Leonardtown Solar Installation Cost: $10,195
- 25-Year Savings: $9,769
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leonardtown
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Leonardtown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Leonardtown it's 2.77 per watt. The average Leonardtown homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,199 with the federal tax credit, or $14,585 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Leonardtown based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Leonardtown find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Leonardtown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leonardtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,861 |
| 3 years | $-6,192 |
| 5 years | $-3,523 |
| 7 years | $-854 |
| 9 years | $1,816 |
| 11 years | $4,485 |
| 13 years | $7,154 |
| 15 years | $9,823 |
| 17 years | $12,492 |
| 19 years | $15,161 |
| 21 years | $17,830 |
| 23 years | $20,499 |
| 25 years | $23,168 |
Top Solar Installers in Leonardtown
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Leonardtown:
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 Leonardtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leonardtown
The cost of installing a solar system in Leonardtown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Leonardtown. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Leonardtown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Leonardtown provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Leonardtown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,682 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,553 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,579 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,760 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,096 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,587 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,234 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,035 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Leonardtown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Leonardtown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Leonardtown?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Leonardtown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Leonardtown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.