Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillcrest Heights, MD (2023 Update)
- Hillcrest Heights Solar Installation Cost: $10,577
- 25-Year Savings: $12,317
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillcrest Heights
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hillcrest Heights.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hillcrest Heights, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Hillcrest Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $10,568 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hillcrest Heights homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Hillcrest Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillcrest Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,501 |
| 3 years | $-10,348 |
| 5 years | $-10,195 |
| 7 years | $-10,043 |
| 9 years | $-9,890 |
| 11 years | $-9,738 |
| 13 years | $-9,585 |
| 15 years | $-9,432 |
| 17 years | $-9,280 |
| 19 years | $-9,127 |
| 21 years | $-8,974 |
| 23 years | $-8,822 |
| 25 years | $-8,669 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillcrest Heights
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Hillcrest Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Hillcrest Heights, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hillcrest Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hillcrest Heights provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Hillcrest Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hillcrest Heights are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $13,082 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $17,753 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $22,579 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $27,561 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $32,697 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $37,989 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $43,435 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $49,037 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillcrest Heights?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hillcrest Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.