Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Hills, MD (2024 Update)

  • Pleasant Hills Solar Installation Cost: $13,833
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,070
  • Payback Period: 16.6 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 Pleasant Hills

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Pleasant Hills.

In Pleasant Hills, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Pleasant Hills, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,833, or $19,781 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different 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 you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Pleasant Hills, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Pleasant Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,419
3 years $-9,590
5 years $-6,761
7 years $-3,933
9 years $-1,104
11 years $1,725
13 years $4,554
15 years $7,382
17 years $10,211
19 years $13,040
21 years $15,869
23 years $18,697
25 years $21,526

Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Hills

Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Pleasant Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Hills

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Pleasant Hills is $13,833, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

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 that have better efficiency or power generation 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.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 Pleasant Hills to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pleasant Hills is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Pleasant Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $6,994 17.2 years
8 kW $3.61 $20,220 $9,722 16.9 years
10 kW $3.54 $24,780 $12,648 16.6 years
12 kW $3.47 $29,141 $15,772 16.2 years
14 kW $3.40 $33,304 $19,095 15.9 years
16 kW $3.33 $37,269 $22,616 15.6 years
18 kW $3.26 $41,036 $26,335 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,604 $30,252 14.9 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 previous customers.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

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 Pleasant Hills, MD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pleasant Hills?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pleasant Hills?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is it worth going solar in Pleasant Hills?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 install 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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