Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pasadena, MD (2024 Update)
- Pasadena Solar Installation Cost: $13,244
- 25-Year Savings: $10,531
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pasadena
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Pasadena.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pasadena generally cost around 4.Because a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Pasadena, the average price of going solar will be about $13,244 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pasadena see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pasadena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,829 |
| 3 years | $-9,001 |
| 5 years | $-6,172 |
| 7 years | $-3,343 |
| 9 years | $-514 |
| 11 years | $2,314 |
| 13 years | $5,143 |
| 15 years | $7,972 |
| 17 years | $10,801 |
| 19 years | $13,629 |
| 21 years | $16,458 |
| 23 years | $19,287 |
| 25 years | $22,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Pasadena
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Pasadena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pasadena
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pasadena homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Pasadena’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pasadena have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $7,994 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,055 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,314 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $17,771 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,427 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,281 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,333 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $33,583 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Pasadena, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pasadena?
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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Pasadena have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.