Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Head, MD (2023 Update)
- Indian Head Solar Installation Cost: $10,512
- 25-Year Savings: $9,452
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indian Head
We break down average solar pricing in Indian Head.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Indian Head, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. 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 how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Indian Head find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Indian Head, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Indian Head
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,446 |
| 3 years | $-10,313 |
| 5 years | $-10,180 |
| 7 years | $-10,047 |
| 9 years | $-9,913 |
| 11 years | $-9,780 |
| 13 years | $-9,647 |
| 15 years | $-9,514 |
| 17 years | $-9,381 |
| 19 years | $-9,248 |
| 21 years | $-9,115 |
| 23 years | $-8,982 |
| 25 years | $-8,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Indian Head
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Indian Head, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Indian Head
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Head
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Indian Head: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Indian Head's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Indian Head, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indian Head?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. 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 Indian Head?
Solar panels aren't free in Indian Head, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels 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, so you can expect a value of about $9,815 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Indian Head is a worthwhile investment.
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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.