Best 5 Solar Companies in North Bethesda, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in North Bethesda

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Consider each of these factors in your service provider 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 hooks the system up to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for utility connections and permits. Solar companies can also pursue certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in North Bethesda

Your photovoltaic panels' style will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these optional components, so look for a provider 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 North Bethesda. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount North Bethesda solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in North Bethesda

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, cash payments and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.