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

  • Glenarden Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,317
  • Payback Period: 15.4 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

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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 Glenarden

We go over average solar pricing in Glenarden.

In Glenarden, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Glenarden is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Glenarden homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Glenarden

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,103
3 years $-9,274
5 years $-6,445
7 years $-3,616
9 years $-788
11 years $2,041
13 years $4,870
15 years $7,698
17 years $10,527
19 years $13,356
21 years $16,185
23 years $19,013
25 years $21,842

Top Solar Installers in Glenarden

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Glenarden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenarden

Although the average cost of a solar system in Glenarden is $13,517, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Glenarden homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $8,619 16.1 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $11,889 15.7 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $15,356 15.4 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $19,022 15.1 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $22,887 14.8 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $26,949 14.5 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $31,210 14.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $35,669 13.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total 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 consider, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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 Glenarden, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glenarden?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 your goals for going 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 much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Glenarden, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 larger 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.

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