Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hagerstown, MD (Mar 2023)
- Hagerstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
- 25-Year Savings: $5,274
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hagerstown
We break down average solar pricing in Hagerstown.
The average cost of a solar system in Hagerstown is 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 prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Hagerstown homeowner can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hagerstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,418 |
| 3 years | $-9,110 |
| 5 years | $-7,802 |
| 7 years | $-6,495 |
| 9 years | $-5,187 |
| 11 years | $-3,879 |
| 13 years | $-2,572 |
| 15 years | $-1,264 |
| 17 years | $44 |
| 19 years | $1,351 |
| 21 years | $2,659 |
| 23 years | $3,967 |
| 25 years | $5,274 |
Top Solar Installers in Hagerstown
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Hagerstown:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hagerstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hagerstown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Hagerstown is $11,072, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,770 per kilowatt in Hagerstown. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hagerstown to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hagerstown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hagerstown?
Solar panels aren't free in Hagerstown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get 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.