Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Oak, MD (2024 Update)
- White Oak Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $26,370
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Oak
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in White Oak.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in White Oak, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average White Oak homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,851 with the federal tax credit, or $19,807 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in White Oak depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in White Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,242 |
| 3 years | $-9,025 |
| 5 years | $-5,807 |
| 7 years | $-2,589 |
| 9 years | $628 |
| 11 years | $3,846 |
| 13 years | $7,064 |
| 15 years | $10,281 |
| 17 years | $13,499 |
| 19 years | $16,717 |
| 21 years | $19,934 |
| 23 years | $23,152 |
| 25 years | $26,370 |
Top Solar Installers in White Oak
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 White Oak
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Oak
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in White Oak: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in White Oak to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $8,939 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,315 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,890 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,662 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $23,633 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $27,802 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $32,170 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $36,735 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 White Oak, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White Oak?
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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in White Oak?
A solar panel system isn’t free in White Oak, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in White Oak is currently $554,573, which means you could be looking at a value of about $22,737 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in White Oak is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 home 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.