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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
A new solar energy system could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Transitioning to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've done the research and created a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Friendly.
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User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. The installation crew 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 review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar company 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. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Installing solar panels can help reduce your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
Friendly homeowners typically spend about $13,517 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Friendly cost approximately $3,540 per kilowatt, with an average size of 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 size, panel type, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
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
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar panels, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Friendly, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
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. Friendly gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 14.8 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar energy company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Yes, solar panels can still provide you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system will 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.
Solar energy can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
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