Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillandale, MD (2024 Update)

  • Hillandale Solar Installation Cost: $13,682
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,188
  • Payback Period: 14.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillandale

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hillandale.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Hillandale is 4 per watt.The average Hillandale homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,682 with the federal tax credit, or $19,565 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Hillandale depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Hillandale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Hillandale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,976
3 years $-8,564
5 years $-5,152
7 years $-1,740
9 years $1,673
11 years $5,085
13 years $8,497
15 years $11,909
17 years $15,321
19 years $18,733
21 years $22,145
23 years $25,557
25 years $28,970

Top Solar Installers in Hillandale

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Hillandale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillandale

For many Hillandale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillandale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up 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 Hillandale, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hillandale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Hillandale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $9,415 15.5 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $12,950 15.2 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $16,683 14.9 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $20,615 14.6 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $24,744 14.3 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $29,072 14.0 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $33,598 13.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $38,323 13.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Hillandale, 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model 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 deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Hillandale, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillandale?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Hillandale?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Hillandale. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase the value of your 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 Hillandale is currently $441,039, so you can expect a value of about $18,083 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hillandale is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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