10 Best Solar Companies in North Potomac, MD

How To Choose a Solar Company

Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce 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.

Check Licensing

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 permit business 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 utility connections and permits.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar company that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, poor alignment, 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.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help reduce your electricity costs over time. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed over time with loans or leases. Confirm key financing details like payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and ownership implications when choosing to finance solar panels.
• Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the requirements and the rebate amounts offered by your local electric provider to estimate your potential savings.
• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states offer incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in North Potomac

The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The average solar system in North Potomac has a capacity of 5.6 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,540 per kilowatt; the average North Potomac homeowners spends roughly $13,851 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for factors such as the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include prices for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.