Best 5 Solar Companies in Hagerstown, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hagerstown

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some essential aspects to remember while searching 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 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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Hagerstown

The style of solar panels you select decides how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

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 all solar companies include these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Hagerstown homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,700 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Hagerstown

Choosing the best financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements, 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each business you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.