Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillcrest Heights, MD (2024 Update)
- Hillcrest Heights Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $12,317
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillcrest Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Hillcrest Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillcrest Heights it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hillcrest Heights is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hillcrest Heights find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillcrest Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,811 |
| 3 years | $-8,399 |
| 5 years | $-4,987 |
| 7 years | $-1,575 |
| 9 years | $1,837 |
| 11 years | $5,250 |
| 13 years | $8,662 |
| 15 years | $12,074 |
| 17 years | $15,486 |
| 19 years | $18,898 |
| 21 years | $22,310 |
| 23 years | $25,722 |
| 25 years | $29,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillcrest Heights
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Hillcrest Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillcrest Heights
While the average cost of a solar system in Hillcrest Heights is $13,517, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Hillcrest Heights, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hillcrest Heights, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.68 | $15,463 | $9,719 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $13,355 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $17,189 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $21,222 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $25,453 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $29,882 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $34,509 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $39,335 | 13.3 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Hillcrest Heights, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillcrest Heights?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hillcrest Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $839.39 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.