Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Every year, more Easton homeowners install rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most dependable solar installation companies in Easton. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. 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 permit business and connects the system to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for utility connections and permits.
Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with installers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
Easton homeowners typically spend about $13,534 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Easton cost roughly $3,540 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 5.5 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, 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:
Lighting
LED Fixtures: $8 per fixture
LED Lighting: Up to $3 per bulb
Appliances
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Clothes Dryer: $50
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
A/C or Dehumidifier: $25
Refrigerator or Freezer: $50
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 heater.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Easton, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Easton gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 14.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Yes, solar panels can still generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
With respect to 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. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
