Best 5 Solar Companies in Olney, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Olney

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. Consider each of these elements in your company 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 handles 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 installers can also pursue certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized 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 Olney

The kind of solar panels you select decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Olney

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. 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 valuable 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) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

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