Solar Panel Cost Guide in Silver Hill, MD (2024 Update)
- Silver Hill 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 Silver Hill
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Silver Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Silver Hill, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Silver Hill, the average price of going solar will be about $13,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Silver Hill see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Silver Hill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Silver Hill
| 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 Silver Hill
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Silver Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Silver Hill
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Silver Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 about $3,540. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Silver Hill, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Silver Hill to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Silver Hill, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing 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 down 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
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 Silver Hill, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Silver Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Silver Hill is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Silver Hill?
Solar panels aren’t free in Silver Hill, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Silver Hill have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Silver Hill?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.