Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellicott City, MD (2024 Update)
- Ellicott City Solar Installation Cost: $13,837
- 25-Year Savings: $10,067
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellicott City
We go over average solar pricing in Ellicott City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Ellicott City is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Ellicott City, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,837, or $19,787 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Ellicott City homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Ellicott City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ellicott City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,422 |
| 3 years | $-9,594 |
| 5 years | $-6,765 |
| 7 years | $-3,936 |
| 9 years | $-1,107 |
| 11 years | $1,721 |
| 13 years | $4,550 |
| 15 years | $7,379 |
| 17 years | $10,208 |
| 19 years | $13,036 |
| 21 years | $15,865 |
| 23 years | $18,694 |
| 25 years | $21,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellicott City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Ellicott City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellicott City
The cost of installing a solar system in Ellicott City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Ellicott City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ellicott City, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ellicott City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $6,988 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,714 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,639 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,761 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,082 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,601 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,318 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,233 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Ellicott City, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ellicott City?
The average cost of solar panels in Ellicott City is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 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 cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ellicott City?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.