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

  • Waldorf Solar Installation Cost: $13,435
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,452
  • Payback Period: 16.8 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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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 Waldorf

We break down average solar pricing in Waldorf.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waldorf it’s 4 per watt.The average Waldorf homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,435 with the federal tax credit, or $19,212 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage 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 good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Waldorf

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,100
3 years $-9,431
5 years $-6,762
7 years $-4,093
9 years $-1,424
11 years $1,245
13 years $3,914
15 years $6,583
17 years $9,252
19 years $11,921
21 years $14,590
23 years $17,260
25 years $19,929

Top Solar Installers in Waldorf

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Waldorf

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waldorf

For many Waldorf homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waldorf, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,540. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Waldorf, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Waldorf, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $6,631 17.5 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $9,238 17.2 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $12,043 16.8 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $15,046 16.5 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $18,248 16.2 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $21,648 15.8 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $25,246 15.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $29,042 15.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Waldorf, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Waldorf, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waldorf?

The average cost of solar panels in Waldorf is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Waldorf?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Waldorf, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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