Best 5 Solar Companies in Silver Spring, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Silver Spring

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

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 connects the system to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for permits and utility connections. Solar installers can also earn certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 Silver Spring

Your solar panels' type will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Silver Spring. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Silver Spring solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Silver Spring

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar 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. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

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