Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gaithersburg, MD (2024 Update)
- Gaithersburg Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $12,202
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gaithersburg
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Gaithersburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gaithersburg it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Gaithersburg is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,851 for a solar installation, or $19,807 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gaithersburg can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gaithersburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,181 |
| 3 years | $-8,842 |
| 5 years | $-5,503 |
| 7 years | $-2,164 |
| 9 years | $1,175 |
| 11 years | $4,515 |
| 13 years | $7,854 |
| 15 years | $11,193 |
| 17 years | $14,532 |
| 19 years | $17,871 |
| 21 years | $21,211 |
| 23 years | $24,550 |
| 25 years | $27,889 |
Top Solar Installers in Gaithersburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Gaithersburg, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gaithersburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gaithersburg
For many Gaithersburg homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gaithersburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Gaithersburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gaithersburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gaithersburg to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,269 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,755 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $16,439 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $20,322 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $24,402 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $28,681 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $33,159 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $37,834 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Gaithersburg, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gaithersburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Gaithersburg is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gaithersburg is currently $499,726, which means you can expect a value of about $20,489 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gaithersburg is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.