Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centreville, MD (2024 Update)
- Centreville Solar Installation Cost: $13,609
- 25-Year Savings: $14,633
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centreville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Centreville.
In Centreville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Centreville is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,609 for a solar installation, or $19,461 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Centreville based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Centreville can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Centreville for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Centreville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,896 |
| 3 years | $-8,471 |
| 5 years | $-5,045 |
| 7 years | $-1,619 |
| 9 years | $1,807 |
| 11 years | $5,233 |
| 13 years | $8,659 |
| 15 years | $12,085 |
| 17 years | $15,511 |
| 19 years | $18,936 |
| 21 years | $22,362 |
| 23 years | $25,788 |
| 25 years | $29,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Centreville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Centreville, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Centreville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centreville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Centreville is $13,609, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Centreville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Centreville is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $12,157 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $16,606 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $21,253 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $26,098 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $31,142 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $36,383 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $41,823 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $47,462 | 12.1 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 selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Centreville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centreville?
The average cost of solar panels in Centreville is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Centreville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher amount 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.