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

  • Linganore Solar Installation Cost: $14,045
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,334
  • Payback Period: 21.5 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 Linganore

We break down average solar pricing in Linganore.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Linganore, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $14,045 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Linganore, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Linganore

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,792
3 years $-10,287
5 years $-7,782
7 years $-5,277
9 years $-2,772
11 years $-266
13 years $2,239
15 years $4,744
17 years $7,249
19 years $9,754
21 years $12,259
23 years $14,764
25 years $17,270

Top Solar Installers in Linganore

Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Linganore

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Linganore

For many Linganore homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Linganore, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

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 $1,817 22.4 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $2,820 21.9 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $4,020 21.5 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $5,419 21.1 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $7,016 20.6 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $8,811 20.2 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $10,805 19.8 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $12,996 19.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Linganore, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.

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 Linganore, MD Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Linganore, 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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