Best 5 Solar Companies in Baltimore, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Baltimore

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Consider all of these factors in your contractor search.

Your solar modules' model will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you'll usually pay extra for add-ons. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not all solar companies provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that has them if it's crucial for you.

Licensing and Training

A Maryland solar PV installation team must include a Home Improvement Commission-licensed contractor and a master electrician with at least seven years of experience. The contractor installs the panels, while the master electrician pulls permits and hooks the system up to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for permits and utility connections. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Financing Options

Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.