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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Every year, more Forestville homeowners install rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Making the switch to solar power can help cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we assembled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Forestville. These installers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. 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 permits and hooks the system up 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 review sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact 3–5 solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the option that best fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology being used. The average solar system in Forestville has a capacity of 5.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,540 per kilowatt; the average Forestville homeowners spends roughly $13,517 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.
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
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Absolutely. The grid in Forestville 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.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Forestville, meaning your payback period could last 14.8 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
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 per season. Your solar contractor might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can sell the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
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. As 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.