Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westminster, MD (2023 Update)
- Westminster Solar Installation Cost: $10,994
- 25-Year Savings: $7,614
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westminster
We go over average solar pricing in Westminster.
In Westminster, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Westminster is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,994 for a solar installation, or $15,721 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Westminster homeowners. 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. With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westminster find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westminster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,250 |
| 3 years | $-8,761 |
| 5 years | $-7,272 |
| 7 years | $-5,784 |
| 9 years | $-4,295 |
| 11 years | $-2,806 |
| 13 years | $-1,318 |
| 15 years | $171 |
| 17 years | $1,660 |
| 19 years | $3,148 |
| 21 years | $4,637 |
| 23 years | $6,126 |
| 25 years | $7,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Westminster
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westminster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
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 let you 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 increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $7,601 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $10,445 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $13,444 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $16,598 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $19,908 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $23,372 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $26,992 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $30,766 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Westminster, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westminster?
The average cost of solar panels in Westminster is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westminster?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate 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 the roof space for 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.