Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerfield, MD (2024 Update)
- Summerfield Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,650
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Summerfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Summerfield it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Summerfield is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Summerfield find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Summerfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summerfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,957 |
| 3 years | $-8,836 |
| 5 years | $-5,716 |
| 7 years | $-2,596 |
| 9 years | $525 |
| 11 years | $3,645 |
| 13 years | $6,766 |
| 15 years | $9,886 |
| 17 years | $13,007 |
| 19 years | $16,127 |
| 21 years | $19,247 |
| 23 years | $22,368 |
| 25 years | $25,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerfield
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Summerfield, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Summerfield, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Summerfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerfield
Although the average cost of a solar system in Summerfield is $13,517, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,540. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Summerfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Summerfield to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Summerfield know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $8,986 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,377 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,967 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,756 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $23,742 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $27,927 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $32,310 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $36,891 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Summerfield, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Summerfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Summerfield is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Summerfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Summerfield. 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 much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $814.95 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.