Best 5 Solar Companies in Columbia, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbia

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Consider each of these factors in your business search.

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 pulls 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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Columbia. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Columbia solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Columbia

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple 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 Columbia.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.