Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Hagerstown homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, add value to your property, and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we put together a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Hagerstown. These installers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
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:
Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current best installation 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 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 consumer review platforms 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 dependability and level of service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
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 promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar panels can help decrease your electricity costs in the long run. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.
The average Hagerstown homeowner will spend around $14,149 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Hagerstown cost approximately $3,540 per kilowatt, with an average size of 5.7 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels 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:
Appliances
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Lighting
LED Fixtures: Up to $8/unit
LED Bulbs: Up to $5/bulb
Occupancy Sensors: Up to $7/unit
HVAC & Other
Air-to-Air Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $250 (Tier 2); $400 (Multi Zone)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $125
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner: $125
Furnace Fans: $100
Smart Thermostat: $100
Circulating Pump: $30
Variable-Speed Pool Pump: $400
Two Speed Pool Pump: $150
Home Performance Audit: 75% of home improvements cost, up to $7,500
Quick Home Energy Checkup: Up to $75 in Energy-Saving Products
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 energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
Of course. The grid in Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown amount to $654.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
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. 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.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
