Best 5 Solar Companies in Catonsville, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Catonsville

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

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 permits and utility connections. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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.

Cost of Solar Panels in Catonsville

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Catonsville and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,700 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Catonsville

Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.