Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hagerstown, MD (2023 Update)
- Hagerstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
- 25-Year Savings: $5,274
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hagerstown
We break down average solar pricing in Hagerstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hagerstown it's 2.77 per watt. The average Hagerstown homeowner needs a 5.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,072 with the federal tax credit, or $15,833 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Hagerstown depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $11,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hagerstown find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hagerstown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hagerstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,930 |
| 3 years | $-7,647 |
| 5 years | $-5,363 |
| 7 years | $-3,080 |
| 9 years | $-797 |
| 11 years | $1,486 |
| 13 years | $3,770 |
| 15 years | $6,053 |
| 17 years | $8,336 |
| 19 years | $10,620 |
| 21 years | $12,903 |
| 23 years | $15,186 |
| 25 years | $17,469 |
Top Solar Installers in Hagerstown
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hagerstown, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hagerstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hagerstown
Though the average cost of a solar system in Hagerstown is $11,072, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,770 per kilowatt in Hagerstown. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hagerstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hagerstown have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hagerstown homeowners, they can also increase 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 final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Hagerstown, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $5,077 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $7,079 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $9,237 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $11,550 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $14,018 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $16,641 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $19,419 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $22,352 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component 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 Hagerstown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hagerstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Hagerstown 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hagerstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Hagerstown have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.