Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillandale, MD (2024 Update)
- Hillandale Solar Installation Cost: $13,682
- 25-Year Savings: $12,188
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillandale
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hillandale.
In Hillandale, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Hillandale homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,682 with the federal tax credit, or $19,565 before the 0 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 needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hillandale can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillandale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,976 |
| 3 years | $-8,564 |
| 5 years | $-5,152 |
| 7 years | $-1,740 |
| 9 years | $1,673 |
| 11 years | $5,085 |
| 13 years | $8,497 |
| 15 years | $11,909 |
| 17 years | $15,321 |
| 19 years | $18,733 |
| 21 years | $22,145 |
| 23 years | $25,557 |
| 25 years | $28,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillandale
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Hillandale, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 Hillandale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillandale
For many Hillandale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillandale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,540 per kilowatt in Hillandale.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hillandale homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,415 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,950 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $16,683 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $20,615 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $24,744 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,072 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $33,598 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $38,323 | 13.4 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 Hillandale, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillandale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hillandale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hillandale. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home 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% with a solar installation."
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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.