Solar Panel Cost Guide in Parkville, MD (2024 Update)
- Parkville Solar Installation Cost: $13,849
- 25-Year Savings: $10,057
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Parkville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Parkville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Parkville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Parkville homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,849 with the federal tax credit, or $19,804 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Parkville homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Parkville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Parkville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,435 |
| 3 years | $-9,606 |
| 5 years | $-6,777 |
| 7 years | $-3,949 |
| 9 years | $-1,120 |
| 11 years | $1,709 |
| 13 years | $4,538 |
| 15 years | $7,366 |
| 17 years | $10,195 |
| 19 years | $13,024 |
| 21 years | $15,853 |
| 23 years | $18,681 |
| 25 years | $21,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Parkville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Parkville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Parkville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Parkville is $13,849, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Parkville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Parkville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Parkville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Parkville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $6,968 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,687 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,605 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,720 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,034 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,546 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,257 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,165 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Parkville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Parkville, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Parkville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Parkville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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.
Does Parkville have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.