Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Potomac, MD (2024 Update)
- North Potomac Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $12,725
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Potomac
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Potomac.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Potomac, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in North Potomac, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,851, or $19,807 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in North Potomac can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Potomac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,145 |
| 3 years | $-8,733 |
| 5 years | $-5,321 |
| 7 years | $-1,909 |
| 9 years | $1,503 |
| 11 years | $4,916 |
| 13 years | $8,328 |
| 15 years | $11,740 |
| 17 years | $15,152 |
| 19 years | $18,564 |
| 21 years | $21,976 |
| 23 years | $25,388 |
| 25 years | $28,801 |
Top Solar Installers in North Potomac
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in North Potomac:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in North Potomac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Potomac
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in North Potomac: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. North Potomac’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $9,830 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,503 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,375 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,445 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,712 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $30,179 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,843 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,706 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type 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.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's North Potomac, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Potomac?
The average cost of solar panels in North Potomac 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in North Potomac?
A solar panel system isn’t free in North Potomac, 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 further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $843.10 per year.
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 amount 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.