Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithsburg, MD (2023 Update)
- Smithsburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
- 25-Year Savings: $5,252
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithsburg
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Smithsburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Smithsburg, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Smithsburg, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,072, or $15,833 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $11,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smithsburg find installing solar panels can pay off big.
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 Smithsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,017 |
| 3 years | $-10,908 |
| 5 years | $-10,800 |
| 7 years | $-10,691 |
| 9 years | $-10,582 |
| 11 years | $-10,473 |
| 13 years | $-10,364 |
| 15 years | $-10,255 |
| 17 years | $-10,147 |
| 19 years | $-10,038 |
| 21 years | $-9,929 |
| 23 years | $-9,820 |
| 25 years | $-9,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithsburg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Smithsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithsburg
For many Smithsburg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Smithsburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,770. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Smithsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Smithsburg to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Smithsburg homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 major players.
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 | $5,053 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,047 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,197 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,502 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $13,962 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $16,577 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,347 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,272 | 15.3 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Smithsburg, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smithsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Smithsburg 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Smithsburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Smithsburg. However, you may still be able to get 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 my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Smithsburg is currently $244,200, so you can look forward to a value of about $10,012 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Smithsburg is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.