Solar Panel Cost Guide in Capitol Heights, MD (2023 Update)
- Capitol Heights Solar Installation Cost: $10,577
- 25-Year Savings: $12,317
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Capitol Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Capitol Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Capitol Heights it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Capitol Heights is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,568 for a solar installation, or $15,112 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Capitol Heights see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Capitol Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Capitol Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,871 |
| 3 years | $-5,459 |
| 5 years | $-2,047 |
| 7 years | $1,366 |
| 9 years | $4,778 |
| 11 years | $8,190 |
| 13 years | $11,602 |
| 15 years | $15,014 |
| 17 years | $18,426 |
| 19 years | $21,838 |
| 21 years | $25,250 |
| 23 years | $28,663 |
| 25 years | $32,075 |
Top Solar Installers in Capitol Heights
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,770. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Capitol Heights, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Capitol Heights, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $13,082 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,753 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,579 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,561 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,697 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,989 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,435 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $49,037 | 10.4 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:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Capitol Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Capitol Heights is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Capitol Heights?
Solar panels aren't free in Capitol Heights, 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 further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
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 Capitol Heights is currently $227,200, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,315 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Capitol Heights is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.