Hey there! With electricity rates rising and Maryland striving for 100% clean energy by 2040, investing in residential solar panels makes perfect sense. You want to pick the right installation company to ensure you maximize savings over the long run.
That‘s why I researched the top solar providers in Maryland based on experience, products used, pricing, warranties and more. I‘ll summarize what I learned to help you find the best value with the least hassle!
First I‘ll explain key factors to help select the right solar company for you. Then we‘ll dive into detailed profiles of my top 7 recommended providers. I‘ll also overview creative ways to reduce your overall costs.
Let‘s get started!
How I Evaluated the Best Solar Companies
Choosing the right team to install your solar system is no small decision. I used the following criteria to identify the top contenders:
Proven experience: Seasoned companies familiar with Maryland‘s specific climate, regulations, utility policies etc. This ensures minimal hiccups handling permits, inspections, grid connections etc.
Highly-rated equipment: Favorable producer reputations and warranties backing the solar modules, inverters etc. to safeguard system performance.
Expertise & responsiveness: Taking a consultative approach, not just a sales pitch. Explaining options clearly and answering all questions.
Competitive pricing: Upfront system costs, financing rates, available savings promotions and overall value mattered most. I filtered out Expensive premium brands.
Strong ratings & reviews: Positive customer feedback, few complaints and evidence of delivering on promises consistently over many years.
Now let‘s examine my top solar company recommendations in Maryland based on these standards!
My Picks for the 7 Best Solar Companies in Maryland
I favored installers with long track records delivering excellent products, pricing and service specifically to Maryland homeowners. Here‘s an overview of each company before we analyze them more closely.
SunPower
- 35+ years experience
- 500,000+ installs nationally
- Premium equipment
Trinity Solar
- Founded 2004
- 9,000+ MD-area customers
- Mid-range equipment
Sunrun
- Launched 2009
- Innovative financing
- Streamlined install
ADT Solar
- Smart home tech bundled
- Top-tier equipment
- Steep pricing
Edge Energy
- Focuses on DMV region
- Proprietary supply chain
- Responsive service
Lumina Solar
- New but fast-growing
- Speedy installs
- Referral bonus program
Solar Energy World
- Values social responsibility
- 35-year comprehensive warranty
- Donates proceeds to eco groups
Now let‘s analyze each company in more detail!
SunPower – Experience & Premium Products
Overview
- Founded: 1985
- Founders: Richard Swanson & Richard Crane
- Headquarters: California
- Customers served: 500,000+ homeowners
With over 35 years perfecting solar technology, SunPower delivers best-in-class equipment backed by strong warranties. If top performance is your chief goal, SunPower excels. Just keep in mind their premium products come at a cost.
Services
- Consultations
- System design
- Installation
- Monitoring
- Maintenance
Equipment & Warranties
SunPower manufactures its own panels along with proprietary racking equipment engineered specifically for solar. Their premium X-Series of panels rank among the most efficient available thanks to advanced cell technology and copper foundation.
You pay a premium for SunPower gear, but robust warranties provide peace of mind:
- 25 years coverage on panels
- 10 year warranty on other system components
- 25 years for workmanship defects
Cost
As a premium brand, SunPower runs higher than competitors – often 20-30% more. But increased productivity from their efficient panels may offset higher initial purchase costs long-term.
Reviews
Positive feedback praises SunPower‘s quality and production although some customers found pricing too steep. Their A+ BBB rating over decades demonstrates consistent satisfaction.
Trinity Solar – Seasoned Regional Performer
Trinity distinguishes itself through competitive pricing and stellar warranties. While perhaps less glamourous than national brands, Trinity delivers substantive value.
Overview
- Founded: 2004
- Headquarters: New Jersey
- Customers served: 9,000+
- Service areas: MD, PA, NJ, DE
Covering Maryland and surrounding states since 2004, Trinity earns strong customer loyalty and satisfactory ratings through transparency and fair prices.
Services
- Design / engineering
- Permits
- Installation
- Maintenance
Equipment & Warranties
Trinity installs quality equipment like Qcells solar modules and Solaredge inverters in each system along with racking, monitoring and accessories tailored to your home‘s needs.
Equipment carries 10+ year manufacturers‘ warranties. Trinity extends generous coverage for workmanship defects:
- 10 years on labor
- 25 years available for solar panels, inverters and optimizers
Cost
As a mid-market provider, Trinity Solar delivers substantive value at fair prices ranging $15k – $25k reported by homeowners depending on system size.
Reviews
Strong satisfaction ratings reinforce Trinity‘s expertise serving Maryland residents compared to some national operators less familiar with regional building codes and utility policies. An A+ BBB rating over 13+ years adds credence.
Sunrun – Leasing Innovator
Sunrun established itself as an early pioneer of $0-down solar leasing. While lease terms carry inherent drawbacks, Sunrun‘s approach breaks down financial barriers for many homeowners who couldn’t otherwise afford solar.
Overview
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: Edward Fenster, Lynn Jurich
- Headquarters: California
- Customers served: 600,000+
Despite being a younger company, Sunrun holds its own leveraging innovative lease models opening solar to more homeowners nationwide.
Services
- Consultations
- System design
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Monitoring
Equipment & Warranties
Sunrun incorporates modules from leading global brands like Qcells and Heliene. Microinverters come standard for module-level monitoring. Electrical balance-of-systems equipment meets code and safety mandates.
Here‘s the warranty coverage they include:
- 20 years on solar panels
- 10 years on installation
- 10 years on roof penetrations
Cost
Rather than a single upfront price, Sunrun offers both purchase and $0-down lease options with monthly payments for on-going use of the system. Locking in electric rates incentivizes leasing for some homeowners.
You own the system when buying upfront or after enough lease payments to satisfy a pre-set amount.
Reviews
Reviews indicate customers drawn to Sunrun for financing flexibility. Some frustrations around lease model restrictions exist, but an A+ BBB rating reflects Sunrun’s general dependability and customer service standards.
ADT Solar – Premium Provider
ADT Solar intertwines solar installations with complimentary smart home upgrades for added security, automation and performance monitoring.
Overview
- Founded: 2016
- Owned by: ADT Inc (NYSE: ADT)
- Headquarters: Louisiana
- Customers served: Undisclosed
ADT Solar bundles elegant solar equipment installations together with home automation and security focused smart devices for whole-home intelligence.
Services
- Design / engineering
- Project management
- Installation
- Activation & testing
- Maintenance
Equipment & Warranties
Given ADT‘s financial backing and Technological DNA, their offerings skew premium:
- Tesla Powerwall batteries
- Enphase microinverters
- Integrated control systems
- Security cameras, sensors etc
Equipment warranties extend 25 years alongside workmanship coverage. This shields against defects although less so deteriorating performance.
Cost
Befitting the executive flair, ADT Solar positions itself as an elite provider with pricing to match. Expect to invest upwards of $25,000 for their turnkey packages.
Reviews
Feedback indicates customers drawn to the unified platform melding solar power and home systems control. Cons include premium costs which eliminate some buyers despite sleek offerings.
Edge Energy – DMV Solar Specialist
Edge Energy distinguishes itself focusing specifically on the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) region they know inside-out. This regional expertise ensures smooth installs.
Overview
- Founded: 2016
- Owned by: Edge Energy LLC
- Headquarters: Maryland
- Customers served: Undisclosed
Edge Energy formed to meet surging solar demand in Maryland and neighboring states. The self-contained operation masters DMV intricacies other national companies can‘t match.
Services
- Design / engineering
- Permitting assistance
- Installation
- Activation & testing
- Repairs
Equipment & Warranties
To control pricing and service, Edge sources all components directly from a single national supplier. This exclusive partnership limits equipment options but enhances value.
- Itek modules
- Solaredge inverters / power optimizers
While warranties only extend 15 years on equipment, Edge pledges responsive service as a local shop.
Cost
By locking in competitive supply pricing, Edge Energy offers subscriptions 20-30% below comparable national solar brands they told me. If saving money is your motivation, Edge Energy warranties deliver.
Reviews
Edge Energy‘s limited scale through serving just DMV states fosters attentive customer service but fewer public reviews exist as a result. An A+ BBB rating affirms positive feedback.
Lumina Solar – Rapidly Rising Star
Lumina Solar‘s aggressive growth matches Maryland‘s swelling demand for renewable power with speedy installs and neighborhood referrals.
Overview
- Founded: 2018
- Owned by: David Murray
- Headquarters: Maryland
- Customers served: Hundreds
Despite only forming in 2018, Lumina Solar rapidly expanded on founder David Murray‘s vision for fast, friendly residential solar service.
Services
- Site evaluation
- Design / engineering
- Permitting
- Installation
- Activation & testing
Equipment & Warranties
To facilitate rapid deployments, Lumina Solar employs versatile, mid-range Hanwha Q Cell solar modules able to pair with various racking and inverters.
Backed by tier 1 equipment makers, robust warranties ship standard:
- 25 years on solar modules
- 25 years on inverters
- 10 years on workmanship
Cost
While growing quickly, Lumina Solar remains small enough to extend personalized services that larger contractors struggle matching. This facilitates reasonable pricing averaging under $20k for install projects based on conversations.
Reviews
Stellar responses praise Lumina Solar‘s rapid pace from contract signing to full operation. Previous clients also commend access to ownership financing options lacking with leasing agreements.
Solar Energy World – Planet-Friendly Performer
Solar Energy World distinguishes itself sharing profit to support environmental groups – aligning financial returns for homeowners with ecological benefits for all.
Overview
- Founded: 2009
- Owned by: Farhad Farrukh
- Headquarters: Maryland
- Customers served: Thousands
After witnessing solar adoption accelerating across Europe, Farhad Farrukh launched Solar Energy World to extend access in the US by making green energy affordable through responsible business practices.
Services
- Site evaluation
- Design / engineering
- Permitting
- Installation
- Inspections & commissioning
Equipment & Warranties
Solar Energy World utilizes trusted module brands like Silfab and optimizers from Solaredge for reliable system performance.
They back installations with a comprehensive Triple Platinum promise:
- 30 years coverage on equipment
- 30 years workmanship warranty
- Updated roof free if needed
Cost
As a mission-driven company, Solar Energy World aims for fair market pricing achieved through community partnerships, bulk purchases and conscientious spending habits companywide to benefit customers.
Reviews
Glowing feedback celebrates Solar Energy World‘s integrity and technical expertise. Their A+ BBB rating affirms superb standing thanks to transparent operations and philanthropic priorities supporting non-profits.
Creative Ways to Save Money on Solar
Now that we‘ve surveyed leading solar companies in Maryland, here are pro tips to further reduce your costs:
Snag rebates & tax credits
Many incentives exist, including:
- Federal solar tax credit – 26% through 2023
- State clean energy grant – $1,000
- Solar renewable energy certificates
Ask about promotions
Time special dealer sales to maximize savings. Inquire about any referral bonuses or partnership programs as well.
Compare quotes
Gather 3-4 quotes to contrast options suits your home and budget. Just ensure you compare equivalent equipment and service packages.
Negotiate respectfully
Don‘t fear asking for discounts once quotes are in hand. Consider paying upfront in cash too.
Top Factors Before Choosing a Solar Company
To ensure everything goes smoothly from purchase to operation, heed this advice:
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Verify all warranties in writing covering parts, performance guarantees, workmanship defects, etc. Know what voids coverage.
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Ask about subcontractors to ensure oversight and accountability for installers not directly employed.
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Check licenses and credentials for all staff stepping foot on your property. Demand copies of bonding and liability insurance as well.
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Read reviews and ratings thoroughly for any consistent complaints suggesting larger issues.
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Compare panel efficiency, inverter types, racking equipment, etc. Leverage your solar consultant’s expertise explaining terminology.
Are Solar Panels Worth it for Maryland Homeowners?
In closing, solar panels make sense for most Maryland households thanks to:
- Increasing utility rates
- Plentiful sun resources
- Generous incentives like renewable energy bill credits and tax breaks
Over 25+ years, solar systems typically yield 300 percent returns on investment through electricity savings based on figures from Maryland‘s utility commission.
Additionally as more homes add solar, generating stations polluting our atmosphere can gradually retire accelerating statewide clean energy goals. It‘s a win-win for both personal finance and environmental stewardship!
Hopefully this guide gives you ample background to decide on the right local solar company for your residence. Best of luck with your new solar panel system!
