Solar Panel Cost Guide in Taneytown, MD (2024 Update)

  • Taneytown Solar Installation Cost: $14,044
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,619
  • Payback Period: 18.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Taneytown

We break down average solar pricing in Taneytown.

In Taneytown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Taneytown, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,044, or $20,083 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Taneytown homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Taneytown, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Taneytown

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 Taneytown

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Taneytown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Taneytown

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Taneytown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Taneytown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,540 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Taneytown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Taneytown to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Taneytown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Taneytown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Taneytown, MD Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Taneytown?

The average cost of solar panels in Taneytown 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Taneytown?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Does Taneytown have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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