Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thurmont, MD (2023 Update)
- Thurmont Solar Installation Cost: $10,994
- 25-Year Savings: $5,329
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thurmont
We go over average solar pricing in Thurmont.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Thurmont is 2.77 per watt. Since a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Thurmont, the average price of going solar will be about $10,994 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
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 want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Thurmont can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Thurmont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thurmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,341 |
| 3 years | $-9,035 |
| 5 years | $-7,729 |
| 7 years | $-6,424 |
| 9 years | $-5,118 |
| 11 years | $-3,812 |
| 13 years | $-2,506 |
| 15 years | $-1,200 |
| 17 years | $106 |
| 19 years | $1,412 |
| 21 years | $2,717 |
| 23 years | $4,023 |
| 25 years | $5,329 |
Top Solar Installers in Thurmont
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Thurmont, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Thurmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thurmont
Though the average cost of a solar system in Thurmont is $10,994, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Thurmont, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Thurmont average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Thurmont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $5,181 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,218 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,410 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,758 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $14,260 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $16,918 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,730 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,698 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Thurmont, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thurmont?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.