Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chillum, MD (2024 Update)
- Chillum 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 Chillum
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chillum.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chillum it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Chillum, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $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 exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Chillum can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chillum for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chillum
| 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 Chillum
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chillum, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Chillum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chillum
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chillum average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chillum provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chillum homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chillum, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chillum?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Chillum have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.