Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hagerstown, MD (2024 Update)
- Hagerstown Solar Installation Cost: $14,149
- 25-Year Savings: $5,274
- Payback Period: 21.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hagerstown
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hagerstown.
In Hagerstown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Hagerstown is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,149 for a solar installation, or $20,233 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Hagerstown depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $11,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hagerstown find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Hagerstown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hagerstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,008 |
| 3 years | $-10,724 |
| 5 years | $-8,441 |
| 7 years | $-6,158 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-1,591 |
| 13 years | $692 |
| 15 years | $2,975 |
| 17 years | $5,259 |
| 19 years | $7,542 |
| 21 years | $9,825 |
| 23 years | $12,108 |
| 25 years | $14,392 |
Top Solar Installers in Hagerstown
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hagerstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hagerstown
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Hagerstown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hagerstown to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Hagerstown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 companies.
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 | $1,714 | 22.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $2,681 | 22.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $3,847 | 21.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $5,211 | 21.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $6,774 | 20.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $8,534 | 20.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $10,493 | 19.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $12,650 | 19.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Hagerstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Hagerstown, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hagerstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown?
Solar panels aren’t free in Hagerstown, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Does Hagerstown 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.