Best 5 Solar Companies in Rockville, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Rockville

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Consider all of these criteria 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 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 utility connections and permits. Solar installers can also obtain 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 Rockville

Your solar panels' style will impact how much power you can produce. 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.

Additional system add-ons, 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 every solar contractor provides these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Rockville

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar leases. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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 recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.