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

  • Robinwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,282
  • Payback Period: 16.9 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

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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 Robinwood

We break down average solar pricing in Robinwood.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Robinwood typically cost around 2.77. The average Robinwood homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,072 with the federal tax credit, or $15,833 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $11,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Robinwood find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Robinwood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,819
3 years $-7,314
5 years $-4,809
7 years $-2,304
9 years $201
11 years $2,707
13 years $5,212
15 years $7,717
17 years $10,222
19 years $12,727
21 years $15,232
23 years $17,737
25 years $20,243

Top Solar Installers in Robinwood

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're looking for a solar company in Robinwood, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Robinwood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinwood

For many Robinwood homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Robinwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 $5,085 17.6 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $7,090 17.3 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $9,250 16.9 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $11,566 16.6 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $14,036 16.2 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $16,662 15.9 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $19,443 15.6 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $22,379 15.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Robinwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.

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 Robinwood, MD Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Robinwood 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Robinwood?

You can't get solar panels for free in Robinwood. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Robinwood is currently $189,313, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,762 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Robinwood is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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