Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Oak, MD (2024 Update)
- White Oak Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $26,370
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Oak
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in White Oak.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in White Oak, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average White Oak homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,851 with the federal tax credit, or $19,807 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in White Oak based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average White Oak homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in White Oak for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in White Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,242 |
| 3 years | $-9,025 |
| 5 years | $-5,807 |
| 7 years | $-2,589 |
| 9 years | $628 |
| 11 years | $3,846 |
| 13 years | $7,064 |
| 15 years | $10,281 |
| 17 years | $13,499 |
| 19 years | $16,717 |
| 21 years | $19,934 |
| 23 years | $23,152 |
| 25 years | $26,370 |
Top Solar Installers in White Oak
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 White Oak
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Oak
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in White Oak: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,540.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the White Oak average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. White Oak’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $8,939 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,315 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,890 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,662 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $23,633 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $27,802 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $32,170 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $36,735 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 White Oak, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Oak?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in White Oak?
You can’t get solar panels for free in White Oak. However, you may still be able to install 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 will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.