Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westphalia, MD (2024 Update)
- Westphalia Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,327
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westphalia
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Westphalia.
The average cost of solar panels in Westphalia is 4 per watt.Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Westphalia, the average price of going solar will be about $13,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Westphalia depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westphalia find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westphalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,957 |
| 3 years | $-8,836 |
| 5 years | $-5,716 |
| 7 years | $-2,596 |
| 9 years | $525 |
| 11 years | $3,645 |
| 13 years | $6,766 |
| 15 years | $9,886 |
| 17 years | $13,007 |
| 19 years | $16,127 |
| 21 years | $19,247 |
| 23 years | $22,368 |
| 25 years | $25,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Westphalia
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Westphalia, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Westphalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westphalia
The cost of installing a solar system in Westphalia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Westphalia homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westphalia is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $8,630 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,903 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,375 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,044 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $22,912 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $26,978 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $31,243 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $35,705 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Westphalia, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westphalia?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Westphalia?
Solar panels aren’t free in Westphalia, 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 can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 generally 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.