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
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Updated September 15, 2023
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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 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 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 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 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.