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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westminster, the typical cost of solar panels 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.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Westminster for a quote for your home.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westminster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westminster
There are several factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Westminster, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Westminster homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $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 companies available in Westminster, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar 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 Westminster, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westminster?
The average cost of solar panels in Westminster 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westminster?
A solar panel system isn’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 can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $656.68 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Westminster?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.