Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, MD (2025 Update)
- Fountainhead-Orchard Hills Solar Installation Cost: $14,149
- 25-Year Savings: $5,282
- Payback Period: 21.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $14,149 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,897 |
| 3 years | $-10,392 |
| 5 years | $-7,886 |
| 7 years | $-5,381 |
| 9 years | $-2,876 |
| 11 years | $-371 |
| 13 years | $2,134 |
| 15 years | $4,639 |
| 17 years | $7,144 |
| 19 years | $9,649 |
| 21 years | $12,155 |
| 23 years | $14,660 |
| 25 years | $17,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills:
See all of the solar companies in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills
For many Fountainhead-Orchard Hills homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $1,722 | 22.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,692 | 22.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,860 | 21.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $5,227 | 21.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,792 | 20.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $8,556 | 20.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $10,517 | 19.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $12,677 | 19.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills is currently $358,161, which means you could be looking at a value of about $14,685 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.