Best 5 Solar Companies in Waldorf, MD

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Waldorf

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Consider each of these criteria in your company search.

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 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 providers 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 Waldorf

Your solar modules' type will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. 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 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 all solar contractors include these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Waldorf and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,700 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Waldorf

Choosing the optimal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, 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 second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

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