Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillandale, MD (2023 Update)
- Hillandale Solar Installation Cost: $10,706
- 25-Year Savings: $12,188
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillandale
We go over average solar pricing in Hillandale.
In Hillandale, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $10,703 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hillandale homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hillandale find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Hillandale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillandale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,000 |
| 3 years | $-5,588 |
| 5 years | $-2,176 |
| 7 years | $1,236 |
| 9 years | $4,649 |
| 11 years | $8,061 |
| 13 years | $11,473 |
| 15 years | $14,885 |
| 17 years | $18,297 |
| 19 years | $21,709 |
| 21 years | $25,121 |
| 23 years | $28,533 |
| 25 years | $31,946 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillandale
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hillandale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillandale
The cost of installing a solar system in Hillandale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 around $2,770 per kilowatt in Hillandale. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Hillandale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hillandale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,779 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,348 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,073 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $26,953 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $31,989 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,179 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $42,524 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $48,025 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Hillandale, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Hillandale, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillandale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hillandale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hillandale?
Each state has some kind 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 electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.