Solar Panel Cost Guide in Capitol Heights, MD (2024 Update)
- Capitol Heights Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $12,317
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Capitol Heights
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Capitol Heights.
In Capitol Heights, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Capitol Heights, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,517, or $19,329 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Capitol Heights homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Capitol Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,811 |
| 3 years | $-8,399 |
| 5 years | $-4,987 |
| 7 years | $-1,575 |
| 9 years | $1,837 |
| 11 years | $5,250 |
| 13 years | $8,662 |
| 15 years | $12,074 |
| 17 years | $15,486 |
| 19 years | $18,898 |
| 21 years | $22,310 |
| 23 years | $25,722 |
| 25 years | $29,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Capitol Heights
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Capitol Heights:
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 Capitol Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Capitol Heights
The cost of installing a solar system in Capitol Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater 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 several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Capitol Heights homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering 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
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Capitol Heights is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Capitol Heights know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,719 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,355 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,189 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,222 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,453 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,882 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,509 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,335 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 large role in the company you opt for.
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 Capitol Heights, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Capitol Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Capitol Heights is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Capitol Heights?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Capitol Heights. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Capitol Heights is currently $318,177, so you can look forward to a value of about $13,045 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Capitol Heights is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Capitol Heights?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.