Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hagerstown, MD (2024 Update)
- Hagerstown Solar Installation Cost: $14,149
- 25-Year Savings: $5,274
- Payback Period: 21.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hagerstown
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hagerstown.
The average cost of a solar system in Hagerstown is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hagerstown, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,149, or $20,233 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hagerstown can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Hagerstown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hagerstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,008 |
| 3 years | $-10,724 |
| 5 years | $-8,441 |
| 7 years | $-6,158 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-1,591 |
| 13 years | $692 |
| 15 years | $2,975 |
| 17 years | $5,259 |
| 19 years | $7,542 |
| 21 years | $9,825 |
| 23 years | $12,108 |
| 25 years | $14,392 |
Top Solar Installers in Hagerstown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Hagerstown, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Hagerstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hagerstown
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Hagerstown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hagerstown provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Hagerstown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Hagerstown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $1,714 | 22.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,681 | 22.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,847 | 21.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $5,211 | 21.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,774 | 20.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $8,534 | 20.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $10,493 | 19.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $12,650 | 19.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Hagerstown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hagerstown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra 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 cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hagerstown?
Solar panels aren’t free in Hagerstown, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Hagerstown have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.