Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kettering, MD (2024 Update)
- Kettering Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,317
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kettering
We break down average solar pricing in Kettering.
The average cost of solar panels in Kettering is 4 per watt.The average Kettering homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,517 with the federal tax credit, or $19,329 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Kettering depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kettering find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Kettering
| 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 Kettering
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Kettering
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kettering
Though the average cost of a solar system in Kettering is $13,517, your final 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 solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production 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.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kettering to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Kettering’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kettering know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Kettering, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kettering?
The average cost of solar panels in Kettering 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kettering?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Kettering?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Kettering?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.