Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walkersville, MD (2023 Update)
- Walkersville Solar Installation Cost: $10,990
- 25-Year Savings: $5,334
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walkersville
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Walkersville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Walkersville is 2.77 per watt. Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Walkersville, the average price of going solar will be about $10,994 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Walkersville see about $11,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Walkersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,935 |
| 3 years | $-10,826 |
| 5 years | $-10,718 |
| 7 years | $-10,609 |
| 9 years | $-10,500 |
| 11 years | $-10,391 |
| 13 years | $-10,282 |
| 15 years | $-10,174 |
| 17 years | $-10,065 |
| 19 years | $-9,956 |
| 21 years | $-9,847 |
| 23 years | $-9,738 |
| 25 years | $-9,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Walkersville
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Walkersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walkersville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Walkersville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Walkersville, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Walkersville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Walkersville is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Walkersville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $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 solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Walkersville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Walkersville?
The average cost of solar panels in Walkersville is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Walkersville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Walkersville. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Walkersville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.