Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, MD (2023 Update)

  • Fountainhead-Orchard Hills Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,282
  • Payback Period: 16.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

We go over average solar pricing in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills.

The average cost of a solar system in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $11,072 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fountainhead-Orchard Hills homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $11,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,017
3 years $-10,908
5 years $-10,799
7 years $-10,690
9 years $-10,581
11 years $-10,472
13 years $-10,363
15 years $-10,254
17 years $-10,145
19 years $-10,036
21 years $-9,927
23 years $-9,818
25 years $-9,709

Top Solar Installers in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills

Although the average cost of a solar system in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills is $11,072, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Fountainhead-Orchard Hills' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $2.88 $12,099 $5,085 17.6 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $7,090 17.3 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $9,250 16.9 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $11,566 16.6 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $14,036 16.2 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $16,662 15.9 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $19,443 15.6 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $22,379 15.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many 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:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • 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 considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills?

The average cost of solar panels in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors 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 Fountainhead-Orchard Hills?

A solar panel system isn't free in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is it worth going solar in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills?

Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need 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.

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