Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodlawn, MD (2024 Update)

  • Woodlawn Solar Installation Cost: $13,849
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,057
  • Payback Period: 16.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodlawn

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Woodlawn.

In Woodlawn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Woodlawn homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,849 with the federal tax credit, or $19,804 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Woodlawn homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Woodlawn

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,435
3 years $-9,606
5 years $-6,777
7 years $-3,949
9 years $-1,120
11 years $1,709
13 years $4,538
15 years $7,366
17 years $10,195
19 years $13,024
21 years $15,853
23 years $18,681
25 years $21,510

Top Solar Installers in Woodlawn

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Woodlawn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodlawn

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Woodlawn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Woodlawn, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Woodlawn average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Woodlawn to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Woodlawn is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 $6,968 17.2 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $9,687 16.9 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $12,605 16.6 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $15,720 16.2 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $19,034 15.9 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $22,546 15.6 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $26,257 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $30,165 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • 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 expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Woodlawn, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodlawn?

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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 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.

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