Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Year after year, more Aspen Hill homeowners install rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Aspen Hill.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. The installation team for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Maryland must include a Home Improvement Commission-licensed contractor and a master electrician with at least seven years' 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.
Check TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar installer that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the best value.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
The average Aspen Hill homeowner will spend around $13,851 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Aspen Hill cost approximately $3,540 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 5.6 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees, and will account for your system's capacity, size, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years.
Incentive Amount:
LightingGet instant, in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR certified lighting.
LED Bulbs: Up to $3 per bulb
LED Fixtures: $8 per fixture
Appliances
Clothes Dryer: $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Smart Thermostat: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
HVAC
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 (Tier 1) - $650 (Tier 2)
Central A/C: $300 (Tier 1) - $500 (Tier 2)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
ECM Furnace Motor: $50 - $100
Home Energy Check up: Free
Recycling
Refrigerator or Freezer: $50
Room A/C or Dehumidifier: $25
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Of course. The grid in Aspen Hill already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Aspen Hill amount to $943.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and the average sunlight in your area. Aspen Hill gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 14.7 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
