Solar Panel Cost Guide in National Harbor, MD (2023 Update)
- National Harbor Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $12,326
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in National Harbor
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in National Harbor.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in National Harbor, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $10,568 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average National Harbor homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in National Harbor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,652 |
| 3 years | $-7,820 |
| 5 years | $-5,989 |
| 7 years | $-4,157 |
| 9 years | $-2,326 |
| 11 years | $-494 |
| 13 years | $1,337 |
| 15 years | $3,169 |
| 17 years | $5,000 |
| 19 years | $6,832 |
| 21 years | $8,663 |
| 23 years | $10,495 |
| 25 years | $12,326 |
Top Solar Installers in National Harbor
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 National Harbor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in National Harbor
The cost of installing a solar system in National Harbor can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in National Harbor, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the National Harbor average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in National Harbor, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for National Harbor homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. National Harbor's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $13,082 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,753 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,579 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,561 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,697 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,989 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,435 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $49,037 | 10.4 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in 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: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide 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 National Harbor, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in National Harbor?
The average cost of solar panels in National Harbor is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install 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.