Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerfield, MD (Mar 2023)
- Summerfield Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $11,660
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerfield
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Summerfield.
The average cost of a solar system in Summerfield is 2.77 per watt. The average Summerfield homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,568 with the federal tax credit, or $15,112 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Summerfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Summerfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,678 |
| 3 years | $-7,900 |
| 5 years | $-6,122 |
| 7 years | $-4,344 |
| 9 years | $-2,566 |
| 11 years | $-788 |
| 13 years | $991 |
| 15 years | $2,769 |
| 17 years | $4,547 |
| 19 years | $6,325 |
| 21 years | $8,103 |
| 23 years | $9,882 |
| 25 years | $11,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerfield
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Summerfield, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Summerfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerfield
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Summerfield. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Summerfield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $12,349 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,776 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $21,357 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $26,094 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $30,986 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $36,033 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $41,235 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $46,593 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Summerfield, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summerfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Summerfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.