Solar panels installed on a residential home in Ellicott City, MD

Solar Panel Cost in Ellicott City, MD

Updated 2026 guide to solar panel prices, savings, and payback period in Ellicott City.

Estimated Solar Savings

$3.00Cost Per Watt
$18,000Avg. System Cost
7Year Payback
$38,00025-Year Savings

Solar Panel System Costs in Ellicott City, MD

Below are estimated costs for different solar panel system sizes in Ellicott City, including the 30% federal solar tax credit.

System SizeCost Before IncentivesFederal Tax Credit (30%)Net CostEst. Annual Production
4 kW$12,000-$3,600$8,4006,132 kWh
6 kWMost Popular$18,000-$5,400$12,6009,198 kWh
8 kW$24,000-$7,200$16,80012,264 kWh
10 kW$30,000-$9,000$21,00015,330 kWh
12 kW$36,000-$10,800$25,20018,396 kWh

What Affects Solar Panel Cost in Ellicott City?

The average cost of solar panels in Ellicott City, MD is approximately $300/watt before incentives. For a typical 6kW residential system, that means a total cost of about $18,000 before the federal tax credit.

After applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), your net cost drops to approximately $12,600.Ellicott City homeowners typically see a payback period of 7 years and save an estimated $38,000 over 25 years.

Factors that affect your cost in Ellicott City:

  • System size: Larger systems cost more but have a lower cost per watt
  • Equipment quality: Premium panels and inverters cost more but offer better efficiency
  • Roof complexity: Steep roofs, multiple levels, or shading can increase installation costs
  • Local labor rates: Installation costs vary within the Ellicott City metro area
  • Local permits: Permitting costs and requirements vary by municipality in Ellicott City
  • Incentives: State and local programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
Beautiful home with solar panels in Ellicott City, MD

Solar Incentives Available in Ellicott City

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

30% Federal Tax Credit (ITC)

Maryland homeowners can combine the 30% federal ITC with the state's strong SREC market for excellent solar returns.

30%

State & Local Incentives

Maryland Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

SREC

Maryland has one of the strongest SREC markets in the country. Solar system owners earn one SREC per MWh of solar production.

$50-$80 per SREC

Residential Clean Energy Grant

Rebate

Maryland offers grants for residential solar installations through the Maryland Energy Administration.

$1,000 for solar PV installations

Property Tax Exemption

Property Tax

Solar energy systems are exempt from property tax increases in Maryland.

100% property tax exemption on solar added value

Sales Tax Exemption

Sales Tax

Solar energy equipment is exempt from Maryland's 6% sales tax.

100% sales tax exemption

Net Metering

Maryland offers net metering at the full retail rate for residential solar systems. Customers receive credits for excess generation that can roll over month to month.

Available

SRECs

Maryland has a robust SREC market driven by the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard. Solar system owners earn one SREC per MWh of production, providing significant ongoing income.

Est. Value: $50-$80 per SREC

Available
View all Ellicott City solar incentives →

Get Your Free Solar Quote

No obligation • Compare top installers

Suburban home with solar panels on the roof

Ready to go solar?

Get free quotes from top installers in your area

Top Solar Companies in Ellicott City, MD

Lumina

4.9(450 reviews)

Years in Business: 8

Service Area: Maryland

Phone: (800) 971-6118

Solar Energy World

4.7(669 reviews)

Years in Business: 17

Service Area: Maryland

Phone: (866) 856-4580

Venture Home Solar, LLC

4.5(732 reviews)

Years in Business: 11

Service Area: Maryland

Phone: (888) 417-2086

View all Ellicott City solar companies →

Solar Panel Cost FAQ - Ellicott City, MD

The average cost of solar panels in Ellicott City is approximately $3.00 per watt before incentives. A typical 6kW residential system costs about $18,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, bringing the net cost to around $12,600.

The typical payback period for solar panels in Ellicott City is approximately 7 years. After that, you'll enjoy free electricity for the remaining 15-20+ years of your system's life, saving an estimated $38,000 over 25 years.

Ellicott City homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, which reduces your system cost by 30%. Maryland also offers net metering, SRECs, and various state-level incentive programs. Check our incentives page for the complete list.

Ellicott City homeowners can save an estimated $38,000 over 25 years by going solar. Actual savings depend on your electricity usage, system size, roof orientation, and available incentives. With electricity rates averaging $0.16/kWh in Maryland, solar provides significant long-term savings.

Solar Costs in Other Maryland Cities

Solar powered neighborhood with multiple homes featuring rooftop solar panels

Start Saving with Solar Today

Join thousands of homeowners who've switched to clean energy

Get Your Free Quote
30%Federal Tax Credit
25+Year Savings
$0Down Options