Best 5 Solar Companies in Owings Mills, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Owings Mills

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

A Maryland solar PV 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized 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 Owings Mills

The kind of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Owings Mills. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Owings Mills

Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment plans 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 Owings Mills.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.