Best 5 Solar Companies in Bowie, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bowie

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

A Maryland solar photovoltaic 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 handles permits and connects the system to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for utility connections and permits. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bowie

The style of solar panels you select determines how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Bowie. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Bowie

Choosing the best financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bowie.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.