Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westminster, MD (2024 Update)
- Westminster Solar Installation Cost: $14,044
- 25-Year Savings: $21,315
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westminster
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Westminster.
The average cost of solar panels in Westminster is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $14,044 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Westminster depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Westminster can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westminster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,629 |
| 3 years | $-9,801 |
| 5 years | $-6,972 |
| 7 years | $-4,143 |
| 9 years | $-1,315 |
| 11 years | $1,514 |
| 13 years | $4,343 |
| 15 years | $7,172 |
| 17 years | $10,000 |
| 19 years | $12,829 |
| 21 years | $15,658 |
| 23 years | $18,487 |
| 25 years | $21,315 |
Top Solar Installers in Westminster
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Westminster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westminster
For many Westminster homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westminster, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably 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 around $3,540 per kilowatt in Westminster.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westminster, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Westminster homeowners, they can also add to 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westminster is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Westminster are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $4,238 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $6,047 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $8,054 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $10,260 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $12,663 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $15,266 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $18,066 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $21,064 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Westminster, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westminster?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Westminster?
Solar panels aren’t free in Westminster, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Westminster, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.