Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheaton, MD (2024 Update)
- Wheaton Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $12,725
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheaton
We break down average solar pricing in Wheaton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Wheaton is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Wheaton, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,851, or $19,807 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Wheaton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,145 |
| 3 years | $-8,733 |
| 5 years | $-5,321 |
| 7 years | $-1,909 |
| 9 years | $1,503 |
| 11 years | $4,916 |
| 13 years | $8,328 |
| 15 years | $11,740 |
| 17 years | $15,152 |
| 19 years | $18,564 |
| 21 years | $21,976 |
| 23 years | $25,388 |
| 25 years | $28,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheaton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various 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 Wheaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheaton
The cost of installing a solar system in Wheaton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,540. 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $9,830 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,503 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,375 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,445 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,712 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $30,179 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,843 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,706 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wheaton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Wheaton, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheaton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want 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 certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wheaton?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.