Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Head, MD (Mar 2023)
- Indian Head Solar Installation Cost: $10,509
- 25-Year Savings: $9,455
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indian Head
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Indian Head.
In Indian Head, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.4-kW system would cost about $10,509 before the 30% federal solar 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Indian Head homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Indian Head, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Indian Head
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,711 |
| 3 years | $-8,114 |
| 5 years | $-6,517 |
| 7 years | $-4,919 |
| 9 years | $-3,322 |
| 11 years | $-1,725 |
| 13 years | $-128 |
| 15 years | $1,469 |
| 17 years | $3,066 |
| 19 years | $4,663 |
| 21 years | $6,260 |
| 23 years | $7,857 |
| 25 years | $9,455 |
Top Solar Installers in Indian Head
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Indian Head
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Head
For many Indian Head homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Indian Head, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Indian Head. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Indian Head average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Indian Head, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 promotion 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 | $9,994 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,636 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,433 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,385 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,492 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,754 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,172 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,744 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Indian Head, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Indian Head?
The average cost of solar panels in Indian Head 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Indian Head?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Indian Head is currently $239,400, which means you can expect a value of about $9,815 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Indian Head is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.