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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Summerfield.
In Summerfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $13,517 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Summerfield 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.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Summerfield find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Summerfield:
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 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 several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Summerfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Summerfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Summerfield, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Summerfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Summerfield, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summerfield?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
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 afford 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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 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.