Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Ocean City, MD (2024 Update)
- West Ocean City Solar Installation Cost: $12,650
- 25-Year Savings: $15,384
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Ocean City
We break down average solar pricing in West Ocean City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Ocean City, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Ocean City is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,650 for a solar installation, or $18,090 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Ocean City homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Ocean City can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Ocean City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,937 |
| 3 years | $-7,511 |
| 5 years | $-4,085 |
| 7 years | $-659 |
| 9 years | $2,767 |
| 11 years | $6,193 |
| 13 years | $9,618 |
| 15 years | $13,044 |
| 17 years | $16,470 |
| 19 years | $19,896 |
| 21 years | $23,322 |
| 23 years | $26,748 |
| 25 years | $30,174 |
Top Solar Installers in West Ocean City
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 West Ocean City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Ocean City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in West Ocean City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in West Ocean City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West Ocean City, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Ocean City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout West Ocean City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $14,252 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $19,400 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $24,745 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $30,289 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $36,031 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $41,971 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $48,109 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $54,446 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 West Ocean City, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Ocean City?
The average cost of solar panels in West Ocean City 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Ocean City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 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.