Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leonardtown, MD (2024 Update)
- Leonardtown Solar Installation Cost: $13,029
- 25-Year Savings: $9,769
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leonardtown
We break down average solar pricing in Leonardtown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Leonardtown generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $13,029 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Leonardtown see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Leonardtown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Leonardtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,695 |
| 3 years | $-9,026 |
| 5 years | $-6,357 |
| 7 years | $-3,688 |
| 9 years | $-1,019 |
| 11 years | $1,651 |
| 13 years | $4,320 |
| 15 years | $6,989 |
| 17 years | $9,658 |
| 19 years | $12,327 |
| 21 years | $14,996 |
| 23 years | $17,665 |
| 25 years | $20,334 |
Top Solar Installers in Leonardtown
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 Leonardtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leonardtown
For many Leonardtown homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Leonardtown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Leonardtown, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Leonardtown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Leonardtown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Leonardtown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $7,318 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $10,154 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $13,189 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $16,421 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,852 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $23,481 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $27,308 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $31,333 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Leonardtown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leonardtown?
The average cost of solar panels in Leonardtown 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Leonardtown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 home 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.