Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robinwood, MD (2024 Update)
- Robinwood Solar Installation Cost: $14,149
- 25-Year Savings: $5,282
- Payback Period: 21.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robinwood
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Robinwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Robinwood it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Robinwood, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,149, or $20,233 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Robinwood see about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Robinwood for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Robinwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,897 |
| 3 years | $-10,392 |
| 5 years | $-7,886 |
| 7 years | $-5,381 |
| 9 years | $-2,876 |
| 11 years | $-371 |
| 13 years | $2,134 |
| 15 years | $4,639 |
| 17 years | $7,144 |
| 19 years | $9,649 |
| 21 years | $12,155 |
| 23 years | $14,660 |
| 25 years | $17,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Robinwood
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Robinwood:
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 Robinwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinwood
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,540. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Robinwood have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Robinwood is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $1,722 | 22.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,692 | 22.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,860 | 21.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $5,227 | 21.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,792 | 20.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $8,556 | 20.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $10,517 | 19.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $12,677 | 19.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 Robinwood, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Robinwood?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional 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 efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Robinwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Robinwood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.