Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burtonsville, MD (2024 Update)
- Burtonsville Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $10,722
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burtonsville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Burtonsville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Burtonsville typically cost about 4.Since a 5.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Burtonsville, the average price of going solar will be about $13,851 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Burtonsville homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Burtonsville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Burtonsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,437 |
| 3 years | $-9,608 |
| 5 years | $-6,779 |
| 7 years | $-3,950 |
| 9 years | $-1,122 |
| 11 years | $1,707 |
| 13 years | $4,536 |
| 15 years | $7,364 |
| 17 years | $10,193 |
| 19 years | $13,022 |
| 21 years | $15,851 |
| 23 years | $18,679 |
| 25 years | $21,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Burtonsville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Burtonsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burtonsville
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Burtonsville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Burtonsville is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Burtonsville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $7,681 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,637 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,792 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,145 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $20,697 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $24,446 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $28,394 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $32,540 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Burtonsville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burtonsville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Burtonsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Burtonsville?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.