Solar Panel Cost Guide in Linganore, MD (2023 Update)

  • Linganore Solar Installation Cost: $10,990
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,334
  • Payback Period: 16.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Linganore

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Linganore.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Linganore typically cost around 2.77. The average Linganore homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,994 with the federal tax credit, or $15,721 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Linganore based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Linganore homeowners see about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Linganore

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,737
3 years $-7,232
5 years $-4,727
7 years $-2,222
9 years $283
11 years $2,789
13 years $5,294
15 years $7,799
17 years $10,304
19 years $12,809
21 years $15,314
23 years $17,819
25 years $20,324

Top Solar Installers in Linganore

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

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 near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Linganore

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Linganore

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Linganore: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Linganore, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

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 Linganore, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include 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 back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Linganore's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $5,181 17.5 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $7,218 17.2 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $9,410 16.8 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $11,758 16.5 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $14,260 16.2 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $16,918 15.8 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $19,730 15.5 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $22,698 15.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Linganore, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Linganore?

The average cost of solar panels in Linganore 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Linganore?

You can't get solar panels for free in Linganore. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Linganore?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.

Follow us