Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indian Head, MD (2024 Update)
- Indian Head Solar Installation Cost: $13,435
- 25-Year Savings: $9,452
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Indian Head
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Indian Head.
The average cost of solar panels in Indian Head is 4 per watt.The average Indian Head homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,435 with the federal tax credit, or $19,212 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Indian Head based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Indian Head see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Indian Head
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,100 |
| 3 years | $-9,431 |
| 5 years | $-6,762 |
| 7 years | $-4,093 |
| 9 years | $-1,424 |
| 11 years | $1,245 |
| 13 years | $3,914 |
| 15 years | $6,583 |
| 17 years | $9,252 |
| 19 years | $11,921 |
| 21 years | $14,590 |
| 23 years | $17,260 |
| 25 years | $19,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Indian Head
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Indian Head
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indian Head
The cost of installing a solar system in Indian Head can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Indian Head, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can figure out 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 equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Indian Head average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Indian Head have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Indian Head, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $6,631 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,238 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,043 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,046 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $18,248 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $21,648 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $25,246 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $29,042 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Indian Head, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Indian Head, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indian Head?
The average cost of solar panels in Indian Head is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Indian Head have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 how much 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 cover 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.