Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Rainier, MD (2024 Update)

  • Mount Rainier Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,317
  • Payback Period: 14.8 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Rainier

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mount Rainier.

The average cost of a solar system in Mount Rainier is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mount Rainier, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,517, or $19,329 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mount Rainier

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,811
3 years $-8,399
5 years $-4,987
7 years $-1,575
9 years $1,837
11 years $5,250
13 years $8,662
15 years $12,074
17 years $15,486
19 years $18,898
21 years $22,310
23 years $25,722
25 years $29,135

Top Solar Installers in Mount Rainier

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Mount Rainier:

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 Mount Rainier

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Rainier

The cost of installing a solar system in Mount Rainier can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,540 per kilowatt in Mount Rainier.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Mount Rainier, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Mount Rainier’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Mount Rainier are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 $9,719 15.4 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $13,355 15.1 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $17,189 14.8 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $21,222 14.5 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $25,453 14.2 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $29,882 13.9 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $34,509 13.6 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $39,335 13.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

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 Mount Rainier, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Rainier?

The average cost of solar panels in Mount Rainier 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mount Rainier?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 get the most savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $839.39 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Mount Rainier?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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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