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5 Best Solar Companies in Maryland (2024 Guide)
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Solar power has become increasingly popular in Maryland over the last few years. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, it’s ranked 19th in the United States for solar power as of 2023. More than 81,000 solar installations have been completed in the state.
Maryland residents considering going solar have dozens of providers to choose from. We at the This Old House Reviews Team have reviewed the best solar installation companies across the country and highlighted our top recommendations for the Old Line State.
Compare Solar Companies Across MD
Maryland’s Top Solar Energy Companies:
Our Top Solar Company Picks for Maryland
Learn more: Venture Solar review
Learn more: Sunrun Review
Solar Energy World
Best East Coast Installer
Learn More: Solar Energy World Review
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Maryland?
Solar owners in Maryland may qualify for various state and federal rebates and tax credits. We’ve highlighted the key Maryland solar incentives below.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): The federal solar tax credit allows you to claim 30% of your solar installation costs on your federal tax return. This rate will reduce to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before ending. You must purchase your system in full or take out a loan to qualify.
- Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit: The Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit provides a state tax credit of up to $5,000 to solar owners who install battery backup storage.
- Maryland Solar Property Tax Exemption: Maryland exempts solar customers from paying taxes on the increased home value from installing solar panels. Solar power equipment is also exempt from sales tax.
- Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program: Homeowners who install clean energy systems may be eligible for a $1,000 solar rebate from the Maryland Energy Administration.
- Net metering: All investor-owned utilities in Maryland must offer net-metering programs, which allow customers to get a 1-to-1 credit on their electric bill for any excess energy that their solar system sends to the grid.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): You earn one solar renewable energy certificate for every 1,000 kWh of solar energy you produce. You can sell SRECs to participating companies looking to invest in solar energy. You must be registered with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to participate.
We surveyed 1,000 recent solar buyers in early 2024 and learned that 64% used the federal solar tax credit, 32% enrolled in a net metering program, and 30% took advantage of a local rebate program.
Our Conclusion
We recommend getting at least three quotes from solar installers to compare pricing and services, as the price you’ll pay to go solar can vary significantly between installers. The providers listed above are an excellent place to start, but here are a few well-reviewed local Maryland solar companies to consider:
- Solar Energy World (Elkridge)
- Lumina Solar (Baltimore)
- Celestial Solar (Frederick)
- Solar SME (Annapolis)
- Aurora Energy (Columbia)
Our top pick is Palmetto due to its high-quality solar panels and its well-rated customer service. Whichever provider you choose, consider product selection, financing, warranties, performance monitoring, and customer reviews.
Other Maryland Home Service Resources
FAQs About Solar Companies in Maryland
How much would it cost to install solar panels in Maryland?
According to Berkeley Lab’s 2021 Tracking the Sun report, the median price of a solar panel system in Maryland is $3.20 per watt, below the national average of $3.80 per watt. That means a typical 5–8 kilowatt (kW) system would cost $16,000–$25,600 before applying the federal tax credit.
Is Maryland a good place for solar?
Yes, Maryland’s comparatively low solar panel costs and wide variety of tax incentives make it an excellent place to go solar.
Will solar panels add value to my Maryland home?
Yes, solar panels will add value to your home. A 2019 report from Zillow found that homes with solar panels sold for an average of 4.1% more than homes without them. The exact increase in value will depend on several variables, such as market demand, panel efficiency, and utility bill savings.
What are Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)?
Solar renewable energy certificates, or SRECs, are credits provided to homeowners who produce a certain amount of solar energy. Companies or government bodies can purchase these certificates from homeowners to show they’re meeting their regulatory solar energy goals.
Our Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
