Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellicott City, MD (2023 Update)
- Ellicott City Solar Installation Cost: $10,820
- 25-Year Savings: $10,074
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellicott City
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ellicott City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ellicott City generally cost around 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $10,820 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Ellicott City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ellicott City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,984 |
| 3 years | $-8,312 |
| 5 years | $-6,641 |
| 7 years | $-4,969 |
| 9 years | $-3,298 |
| 11 years | $-1,626 |
| 13 years | $45 |
| 15 years | $1,717 |
| 17 years | $3,388 |
| 19 years | $5,060 |
| 21 years | $6,731 |
| 23 years | $8,403 |
| 25 years | $10,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellicott City
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Ellicott City:
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 Ellicott City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellicott City
For many Ellicott City homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ellicott City, 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Ellicott City. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ellicott City, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,352 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,113 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,029 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,100 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,326 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,707 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,244 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,935 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Ellicott City, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ellicott City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ellicott City?
Solar panels aren't free in Ellicott City, 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 help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.