Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, MD (2024 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Fountainhead-Orchard Hills homeowner can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a 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
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fountainhead-Orchard Hills homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fountainhead-Orchard Hills?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install 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.