Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockville, MD (2024 Update)
- Rockville 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 Rockville
We break down average solar pricing in Rockville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockville it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rockville is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,851 for a solar installation, or $19,807 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rockville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rockville can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockville
| 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 Rockville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Rockville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Rockville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main 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 $3,540.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rockville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Rockville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Rockville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockville?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockville 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rockville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Rockville?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases 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.