Solar Panel Cost Guide in Silver Spring, PA (2024 Update)

  • Silver Spring Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,801
  • Payback Period: 16.1 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Silver Spring

We go over average solar pricing in Silver Spring.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Silver Spring, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Silver Spring, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,556, or $23,675 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Silver Spring can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Silver Spring

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,262
3 years $-12,673
5 years $-10,085
7 years $-7,496
9 years $-4,908
11 years $-2,319
13 years $270
15 years $2,858
17 years $5,447
19 years $8,035
21 years $10,624
23 years $13,212
25 years $15,801

Top Solar Installers in Silver Spring

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

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 in Silver Spring:

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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

See all of the solar companies in Silver Spring

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Silver Spring

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Silver Spring is $16,556, your final 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 consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Silver Spring, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Silver Spring, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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’re only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Silver Spring, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $3.69 $15,506 $7,703 16.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $10,668 16.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $13,833 16.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $17,195 15.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $20,757 15.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $24,518 15.1 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $28,477 14.8 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $32,635 14.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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

EcoWatch's Silver Spring, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Silver Spring?

The average cost of solar panels in Silver Spring is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Silver Spring?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Silver Spring, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is it worth going solar in Silver Spring?

Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity 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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

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