Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarksburg, MD (2024 Update)
- Clarksburg Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $7,677
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarksburg
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Clarksburg.
In Clarksburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $13,851 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Clarksburg homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clarksburg find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarksburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,599 |
| 3 years | $-10,093 |
| 5 years | $-7,588 |
| 7 years | $-5,083 |
| 9 years | $-2,578 |
| 11 years | $-73 |
| 13 years | $2,432 |
| 15 years | $4,937 |
| 17 years | $7,443 |
| 19 years | $9,948 |
| 21 years | $12,453 |
| 23 years | $14,958 |
| 25 years | $17,463 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarksburg
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Clarksburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarksburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clarksburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Clarksburg homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Clarksburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,412 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $6,279 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $8,344 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $10,607 | 18.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $13,069 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $15,729 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $18,587 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $21,643 | 16.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Clarksburg, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clarksburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarksburg 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Clarksburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clarksburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.