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

  • Bensville Solar Installation Cost: $13,435
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,452
  • Payback Period: 16.8 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 Bensville

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bensville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bensville it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bensville is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,435 for a solar installation, or $19,212 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Bensville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,100
3 years $-9,431
5 years $-6,762
7 years $-4,093
9 years $-1,424
11 years $1,245
13 years $3,914
15 years $6,583
17 years $9,252
19 years $11,921
21 years $14,590
23 years $17,260
25 years $19,929

Top Solar Installers in Bensville

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Bensville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bensville

The cost of installing a solar system in Bensville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Bensville, 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bensville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $6,631 17.5 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $9,238 17.2 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $12,043 16.8 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $15,046 16.5 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $18,248 16.2 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $21,648 15.8 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $25,246 15.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $29,042 15.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, such as:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Bensville, MD Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Bensville?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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