Looking for energy freedom in the Free State? We can help you choose the best installer for your needs. In this article, we’ll recommend nine of our favorite Maryland solar providers.
Maryland is on track to increase its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by about 50% by 2030, which will make it one of the country’s leaders in renewable power generation. One of the biggest drivers for Solar projects in Maryland has been the statewide programs that support residential, commercial and community solar projects. Maryland residents can also enjoy some of the best Solar companies in all of America, leading to exceptional value for gene
SunPower
Location: State of Maryland
Positive points: SunPower has been providing the best solar panels on the market since 1985. With nationwide service, they can help you connect with a local dealer to install your system. SunPower has a reputation for their excellent customer service and their all-in-one solar solutions in Maryland. They are one of the best installers on our list.
Negative points: We are a national solar company, helping our dealers in Maryland by working directly with them to install the SunPower system. This is why it’s important to choose a SunPower dealer near you so that the quality of your service is good.
Clients: “We are very knowledgeable and professional. Our entire staff has been helpful, not “pushy” like other solar providers.” — Scott via BBB
Trinity Solar
Location: State of Maryland
Positive points:Trinity Solar has been installing solar PV systems since 1996 and throughout the northeast. It’s a family-owned company that is built on core values of integrity, reliability, and impact. The company offers high-quality panels for multiple battery types and is located in the Northeast.
Negative points: Trinity Solar does not offer a guarantee like other solar companies. You’ll just have to take our word for it that we’re experts. If you sign a contract and your panels don’t perform as advertised, you may not be able to cancel the contract or get your money back. It is important to read the contract beforehand.
Clients: “I’m very satisfied with Trinity Solar. They did a fantastic job when installing the solar panels and everything is running perfectly well three years later. The best part about what they offer is that it saves money & protects the environment by using renewable sources of energy. Trinity also made good on their promise to reward me for bringing a new customer from my neighborhood, who also joined the Trinity family.” — Carl via Google Reviews
Lumina Solar
Location: Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia; Based in Baltimore
Positive points: Lumina Solar has been developing solar technology at work. They offer a fully integrated solar product to give you the perfect opportunity to make a leap in terms of energy efficiency, conservation and independence. Lumina Systems builds cutting-edge solar panel systems and is at the forefront of clean energy. The company offers Tesla Powerwall batteries, so your electricity supply is always uninterrupted. The team has more than 30 years in the industry and can ensure your pool is a top priority.
Negative points: Lumina Solar is a relatively new business, but they’re already making waves in their industry. You should take the time to choose a company that’s been around for at least 10 years and has established themselves as reputable. Our company offers the best warranties so you can be sure you’re getting top quality products
Clients: “I had a solar system installed by Lumina about two months ago, and I’ve been nothing but happy with the entire process. If you’re looking to make the switch, I urge you to call Lumina Solar. Reviews have played an important role in researching solar companies, and I was amazed at the quality of reviews from past customers. They had a lot to say about the quality of their service and it was clear that they were telling the truth.” — Brian via Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World is a regional company in Elkridge with countless positive customer reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They’ve been in business since 2009 and offer their services to Maryland homeowners.
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Solar Energy World offers excellent solar equipment and affordable prices, which have garnered them many a satisfied customer. The warranty coverage is also great for the cost, which makes the value unbeatable.
Average Cost
According to the company’s website, most of its installations in Maryland total between $12,000 and $17,000 after the federal tax credit is applied. This puts them around average when it comes to pricing.
Warranty
Solar Energy World provides manufacturer warranties for all equipment. This ranges from 10-25 years. The panels are also covered for between 20- 25 years. Solar Energy World also provide a 30 year warranty on installation as well as solar power production, which is nice
Solar Services
Solar Energy World can install solar panels, batteries, and monitor all of your needs. They don’t install electric vehicle chargers but they offer a variety of solar products.
Financing Options
We won’t be able to offer leases and PPAs. If you are looking for cash purchases or solar loans, we should be able do something for you.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Solar Energy World gives a $500 credit for each customer referral. If a referred customer install anything under 6 kW you receive $300. For systems over 6 kW, you will receive double points with your new referral
In-House or Contracted Installations
Solar Energy World doesn’t outsource its installations, which means great customer service.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
This company manages the installation of an extensive range of solar technology brands, including Hanwha, Silfab, SolarEdge, REC, Longi & LG as well as Tesla and Enphase.
Edge Energy
Edge Energy is a small, local company based in Beltsville, MD. You can be sure you will get certified installers and quality service no matter where in Maryland you live.
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Edge Energy offers the best of both worlds, with great customer service and local expertise. We’ll discuss some additional upsides of working with Edge Energy below:
Average Cost
Edge Energy provides top-notch equipment without a hefty price tag. Although the cost breakdowns are not available online, Edge is typically around average in terms of cost.
Warranty
We have a 25-year warranty because you can count on Edge Energy for quality. Our equipment provides high-quality power and we are fully confident in our workmanship. We hope you’ll enjoy our warranty as much as we do!
Solar Services
Installing solar panels and a solar battery system can help you save money on electricity and enable plenty of benefits. All you need to do is get an expert to install them correctly. To make this process even easier, give our team a call so they can monitor your batteries and panels regularly.
Financing Options
Edge Energy is not affiliated with SunPower, so you won’t have access to their cash or solar loans.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Edge Energy provides a $625 bonus when you refer a friend to the company. With that kind of incentive, you would better believe they promote green energy!
In-House or Contracted Installations
All Edge Energy installations are done by in-house engineers so that no third parties will be at your home when you choose us.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
This company only installs SunPower panels. While these are some of the best in the industry, it is an upside for customers design-conscious individuals who don’t want to mix designs.
How We Chose the Best Solar Companies in Maryland
Our company selection process includes researching the product portfolios, solar services, financing options, customer feedback and industry reputations of every major Maryland installer. Looking at metrics in these categories, we rated and ranked each company to narrow down our list of the six best solar companies in Maryland. See our solar methodology for more information.
Choosing the Best Solar Installer for Your Home
There are many factors to take into account when choosing the best solar installer for your home. For instance, you need to take into account where you live, your utility company, the rooftop space on your property and how much energy you use. You might want to consider some of the following factors when deciding what’s most important for choosing one Maryland solar installer over another.
Services Offered
Solar installation companies in Maryland will differ from company to company since they each offer different services and are more specialized than others. Examples of companies that focus strictly on solar panels: Maryland Solar Solutions. Examples of companies that prioritize efficiency and home energy upgrades but use solar panels as a supplement: Edge Energy. Consider what makes your home or business unique. And then look for a company that is capable of working with these particular needs. Some other things to think about could be whether you need roofing work, EV chargers or backup power systems.
Solar Pricing and Financing
There is no denying that Maryland’s home solar installation market has exploded. It doesn’t matter if you have an average credit score or not. There are plenty of different financing options to be had to help you make solar part of your life. Maryland is full of experienced solar installers who know the difficulties of high upfront costs, so make sure to ask about flexibility in financing options.
Industry Affiliations
Companies who earn industry credentials, such as from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), B Corp certification or affiliations with other professional associations, are usually worth the investment. When you work with a company that is certified and has memberships, it means that they are reputable, reliable, and trustworthy.
Types of Panels
Some solar panels are better than others, so make sure you do your research and find out what the installer has to offer. For small homes in confined areas, high-efficiency solar panels will likely be a necessity. However, commercial projects with more space may prioritize the most affordable panels. It’s worth asking what brands of panels your company is certified to sell and install. Depending on the quality of certification that they have attained from a respectable solar panel brand, such as Tesla, Panasonic, LG or REC, this is also an indication that they are one of the best.
Incentives, Rebates and Tax Credits
Maryland offers some of the most competitive solar incentives in the country. They’re great for helping you get the equipment you need, but it’s important to do your research to find a installer that knows how to get the best value from Maryland’s current solar incentives. It’s worth looking locally when hiring a company. Does the company you’re looking at have plenty of experience working in your community?
Warranty
Most warranty issues with solar boil down to the level of quality installation, not the panels. We recommend getting a company with a good installation guarantee or warranty that covers any potential issues with your roof or home in case they occur years after installation. It’s prudent to choose a reputable solar company that provides at least 10-year warranties.
Cost of Solar in Maryland
As of 2022, the average cost for solar in Maryland is around $2.77 per watt. That means a 5-kW system costs around $9,695 after the 30% federal tax credit is applied. Think of a 5kW solar system as the minimum size you need for your home.
Although it can be difficult for those in Maryland to switch to clean energy, the state offers plenty of incentives to help incentivize the switch. Visit DSIRE for more information on available subsidies at this location.
How to Find the Best Solar Installer in Maryland
Maryland provides a renewable energy incentive structure that’s very different to other states. This is great, as it makes Maryland stand out due to the SREC, grant and tax exemptions it offers. However, this can be both good and bad, because these are hard to implement in your business and confusing at first. This is why you need to find a solar company with incentives experience & a proven track record of getting customers the best return on investment in solar.
If you’re looking to take the first step, we recommend comparing quotes from some of Maryland’s top solar installers. From there, you can decide which company has the best rates and ask more specific questions about incentives, experience and more.
