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

  • Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $13,837
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,067
  • Payback Period: 16.6 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Fulton

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fulton.

The average cost of solar panels in Fulton is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fulton, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,837, or $19,787 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Fulton depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fulton for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fulton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,422
3 years $-9,594
5 years $-6,765
7 years $-3,936
9 years $-1,107
11 years $1,721
13 years $4,550
15 years $7,379
17 years $10,208
19 years $13,036
21 years $15,865
23 years $18,694
25 years $21,523

Top Solar Installers in Fulton

When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Fulton, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Fulton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton

There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fulton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fulton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fulton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Fulton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $6,988 17.2 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $9,714 16.9 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $12,639 16.6 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $15,761 16.2 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $19,082 15.9 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $22,601 15.6 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $26,318 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $30,233 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Fulton, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fulton?

The average cost of solar panels in Fulton 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fulton?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Fulton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fulton is currently $925,923, which means you can look forward to a value of about $37,963 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fulton is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Fulton?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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