Maryland is an outstanding place to go solar. With plenty of sun to provide energy for your system and average energy prices, homeowners typically enjoy energy savings that pay for their systems and continue to save them money over time.
However, if you’re looking for a reliable company to install your solar panel system, you might be overwhelmed by the number of choices. In this guide, we’ll provide a list of the top seven solar installers in MD to help you find the best one for you and your home.
Best Solar Installation Companies in Maryland
Below is a list of our top recommended solar panel installation companies in Maryland:
- SunPower: Best Overall
- Lumina Solar: Best Financing Options
- Solar Energy World: Best for Extended Warranty Coverage
- Nova Solar: Best Customer Service
- Edge Energy: Best for Local Experience
- Trinity Solar: Local Solar Veteran
- Celestial Solar Innovations: Best Sales Process
Compare the Highest-Rated Solar Companies in Maryland
The table below includes a quick side-by-side comparison of our top-rated solar companies in Maryland. We’ll include additional information on each of these installers in the following sections to help guide your decision.
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best Overall | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, production, and workmanship | Some (see notes below) | $$$$ |
| Lumina Solar | Best Financing Options | 9.7 | N/A | 10-25 years for equipment, 10 years for installation (extendable up to 30 years) | Yes | $$$ |
| Solar Energy World | Best for Extended Warranty Coverage | 9.5 | A+ | 10-25 years for equipment, 10 years for installation (extendable up to 30 years) | Yes | $$$ |
| Nova Solar | Best Customer Service | 9.5 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, 10 years for workmanship | Yes | $$$ |
| Edge Energy | Best for Local Experience | 9.3 | N/A | 25 years for equipment, production, and workmanship | Yes | $$$ |
| Trinity Solar | Local Solar Veteran | 9.2 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, 5 years for workmanship | Yes | $$$ |
| Celestial Solar Innovations | Best Sales Process | 9.0 | A+ | Manufacturer’s warranty only | Yes | $$$ |
1. SunPower
SunPower has been providing solar panel installation services since 1985, and it remains among the most trusted and reputable solar companies in the country. It used to outsource installations to third parties, but it now handles them in-house. It offers outstanding warranties that are ideal for protecting your system in Maryland’s climate, and it offers some of the most efficient panels — Maxeon — in the industry.
SunPower Pros and Cons
Pros
- Long history of excellence
- Industry affiliations
- Offers high-quality and highly efficient equipment
- In-house installations
- Excellent company ratings and BBB rating
Cons
- Expensive
- Only carries one solar panel brand
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
SunPower is among the more expensive companies for solar installations in Maryland, but it also offers panels that have an outstanding reputation in the industry. The warranties provided are also outstanding, and this is a full-service solar company.
Average Cost
SunPower’s solar systems average around $3.30 per watt, which means that the average 7-kW solar system required in Maryland to eliminate utility bills will cost around $23,000 from SunPower. This would come out to around $17,000 after the federal tax credit is applied.
Warranty
SunPower has one of the best warranties in the solar industry. It covers physical damage and guarantees top-tier power production for 25 years. It’s one of the few companies that offers roof leak warranties, which is great for Maryland homeowners who experience above-average rainfall and the remnants of hurricanes and tropical cyclones.
Solar Services
SunPower installs solar panels and solar batteries, and it can also provide solar monitoring and EV chargers. This is a full-service solar company.
Financing Options
SunPower accepts cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), which means just about every homeowner can find a financing option that works for them.
Specials or Incentives Offered
SunPower has a referral program that provides a $100 incentive for each homeowner you refer that opts to have an in-home consultation completed.
In-House or Contracted Installations
SunPower used to outsource all of its installations, but it recently went through a company restructuring. Now, Maxeon produces the panels, and SunPower handles the installations in-house.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
SunPower only installs Maxeon panels, which include microinverters.
Partnerships
SunPower is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). It is also accredited by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
2. Lumina Solar
Lumina Solar is a regional solar installer that is based in Baltimore, so it has a massive local presence. This company maintains outstanding customer reviews and provides full-service solar installations at affordable prices. Lumina is a young company, but it has already established an outstanding reputation in the industry.
Lumina Solar Pros and Cons
Pros
- Local company
- Accepts all financing options
- Relatively affordable
- Several top-tier equipment brands offered
- Excellent warranties
Cons
- Young company with minimal track record
- No solar monitoring
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Lumina comes in around average in terms of overall pricing, but its warranty and customer service are outstanding, so the quality-to-price ratio is in your favor. We’ll discuss the cost and quality in more depth in the following sections.
Average Cost
Lumina Solar provides quite a few different solar panel brands, so the price can fluctuate quite a bit. The average price per watt is around $2.70, which would put the typical system cost at around $14,000 after the ITC.
Warranty
Lumina provides the manufacturer’s warranty on all equipment, so you’re looking at anywhere from 10 to 25 years in terms of product coverage, depending on what you have installed. The company also offers a 10-year warranty on the installation, which is extendable up to 30 years.
Solar Services
Lumina tackles solar panel and solar battery installations, as well as electric vehicle chargers. It doesn’t provide solar monitoring.
Financing Options
Lumina Solar accepts all financing options except power purchase agreements (PPAs), so it will work for your needs if you’re looking for a cash purchase, solar loan, or solar lease.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Lumina has a referral program that nets you $500 for each homeowner you refer that eventually has panels installed through the company.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Lumina has an in-house team of NABCEP-certified installers, so all installations are completed by employees of the company.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Lumina Solar installs solar equipment from Silfab, Enphase, Canadian Solar, REC, and Tesla.
Partnerships
Lumina is a NABCEP partner, and it’s also accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
3. Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World is a regional company with a location in Elkridge that covers all of Maryland. It has been around since 2009, and it has countless positive customer reviews and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Solar Energy World Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable solar solutions
- Long company history
- Great warranty coverage
- Installs many top-tier brands
- Full-service company
Cons
- No leases or PPAs accepted
- Large company size sometimes leads to below-average customer service
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Solar Energy World offers some of the best solar equipment in the industry at an affordable price. It also includes excellent warranty coverage for the cost, making it a great value for the money.
Average Cost
According to the company’s website, most of its installations in Maryland total between $12,000 and $17,000 after the federal tax credit is considered. This puts the company around average in terms of pricing.
Warranty
Solar Energy World provides manufacturer’s warranties for all equipment, which range from 10 to 25 years. The panels are covered for between 20 and 25 years. The company also provides a 30-year warranty for installation and solar power production, which is outstanding.
Solar Services
Solar Energy World can install panels and solar batteries, and it provides solar monitoring through third parties. It doesn’t handle electric vehicle charger installations.
Financing Options
This company accepts cash purchases and solar loans. Customers looking for solar leases or PPAs will not be able to get service from this company.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Solar Energy World has a referral program for customers and non-customers. You can earn a $300 pre-paid debit card if a referred customer installs anything under a 6-kW system or $500 for a system over 6 kW.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Solar Energy World performs its own installations, which generally leads to positive customer service with this company.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
This company installs a wide variety of solar equipment brands, including Hanwha, Silfab, SolarEdge, REC, Longi, LG, Tesla, Enphase, SMA, and Fronius.
Partnerships
This company has several NABCEP-certified installers on its team, and the company as a whole is BBB-certified as well.
4. Nova Solar
Nova Solar is a small regional company that services Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. This company is well-known in the area for its outstanding customer service, its high-quality, top-tier equipment, and its reasonable prices.
Nova Solar Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great customer service
- Excellent equipment brands offered
- Warranty options are outstanding
- Many years of local experience
Cons
- Few financing options available
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Nova Solar provides a lot of bang for your buck, including above-average equipment and quality of service for pricing that’s about average. We’ll discuss some of the key factors that make Nova so appealing below.
Average Cost
There is no average cost information for solar energy systems installed by Nova Solar, but based on customer reviews and company comparisons, we can estimate that the cost of solar with Nova is about average. That means around $15,000 after tax credits in Maryland, on average.
Warranty
Nova provides a 25-year warranty for all equipment installed, as well as a 10-year warranty for the labor and workmanship. Unfortunately, there is no warranty for the power production.
Solar Services
Nova Solar is more of a basic solar installation company, tackling solar panels and solar batteries only. You’ll have to find another installer if you’re looking for add-on products or services beyond these.
Financing Options
Nova only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. Customers who want to explore solar leases or PPAs will need to choose a different installation company.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Nova has an in-house installation team that performs all of the work. Nothing is outsourced when you choose this company, which is partially why it’s able to provide such a high level of customer service.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Nova carries and installs solar equipment from Enphase, REC, LG, QCells, and SolarEdge.
Partnerships
Several technicians on Nova’s installation team hold the NABCEP certification. The company is also accredited with the BBB and maintains a positive rating there.
5. Edge Energy
Edge Energy is a small, local company based in Beltsville, MD. It’s a certified installer for SunPower, which means you can get top-quality panels with local expertise and outstanding customer service.
Edge Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great customer service
- Certified SunPower dealer
- Relatively affordable
- Many years of experience
Cons
- Only one equipment brand offered
- Relatively small service area
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Edge Energy brings all of the pros of working directly with SunPower, plus great customer service and local expertise. We’ll discuss some additional upsides of working with this company below.
Average Cost
Edge Energy keeps its costs low while providing top-of-the-line equipment. The specific pricing model it uses isn’t available online, but it typically comes in around average in terms of cost.
Warranty
The warranty provided by Edge Energy comes directly from SunPower, so it’s one of the best in the industry. Customers can expect a 25-year warranty for the equipment, workmanship, and power production, which is outstanding.
Solar Services
This company installs solar panels and solar battery systems, and it can also provide solar monitoring services.
Financing Options
Unlike working with SunPower directly, you’ll only have access to cash payments and solar loans if you choose Edge Energy.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Edge Energy offers a $625 bonus for any business you refer to the company, which is a nice incentive for promoting clean energy.
In-House or Contracted Installations
All of the systems that this company installs are done through the in-house installation team, so you’ll never have a third party at your home when you choose Edge Energy.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
This company only installs SunPower panels. While these are some of the best in the industry, it is a downside for customers who are looking for variety or equipment options.
Partnerships
The installers at Edge Energy are NABCEP-certified, which is great news. However, the company is not yet accredited with the BBB and isn’t a member of any other industry organizations.
6. Trinity Solar
Trinity Solar has been in business since 1996, so it has many years of experience and success under its belt. It has decent warranty coverage and accepts a wide range of financing options. However, it does have some issues with providing quality customer service.
Read our extensive review of Trinity Solar for more information on this great solar company.
Trinity Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many financing options available
- Decades of experience
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Not the best workmanship warranty
- Some issues with customer service
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Trinity Solar makes solar systems accessible and affordable by keeping costs low and providing financing options to suit just about any budget. We’ll include some vital information about the company below.
Average Cost
Trinity Solar doesn’t advertise specific pricing with respect to solar energy solutions, but it does appear to have pricing that’s about average. Given the typical cost of a system in MD, you can expect to pay around $15,000 for a system from Trinity.
Warranty
Trinity Solar provides the standard 25-year manufacturer’s warranty for its equipment. Unfortunately, the workmanship warranty only lasts for 5 years, and there is no warranty for power production.
Solar Services
Trinity is a basic solar installer that tackles panel and battery backup installations. It can also perform energy audits to ensure your home is at peak energy efficiency. However, it doesn’t offer EV chargers or other add-on products or services.
Financing Options
Trinity Solar not only maintains average pricing to keep solar affordable, but it also accepts all of the standard financing options to keep it accessible. It will suit you whether you’re looking to buy your panels with cash, a solar loan, a solar lease, or a PPA.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Trinity Solar has a referral program where you can earn $1,000 for each customer you refer that installs a solar panel system.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Trinity Solar has a large in-house installation team. Every system is installed by its own employees, which helps maintain generally positive customer service and quality.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Unfortunately, Trinity Solar doesn’t publish the equipment brands it uses.
Partnerships
Trinity Solar is a BBB-accredited company, but it doesn’t have any industry-specific affiliations.
7. Celestial Solar Innovations
Celestial Solar Innovations is a solar installer that is based in Frederick, Maryland, and its representatives are all locally trained and experienced. Its pricing is around average, and the customer service provided for that price is outstanding.
Celestial Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredible customer service
- Relatively affordable
- Years of local experience
- Educational, non-pushy sales process
Cons
- Relatively small service area
- Manufacturer’s warranties only
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty & Services
Celestial Solar Innovations delivers excellent quality for a price that’s around average for the area. We’ll include some additional important information about the company in the following sections.
Average Cost
As mentioned above, Celestial Solar Innovations is around average in price. Although it doesn’t publish its typical pricing, you can expect a system from this installer to cost between $13,000 and $17,000 after the tax credit.
Warranty
Celestial Solar Innovations only offers the manufacturer’s warranty, which is less than ideal. The exact coverage will vary based on the brand of equipment you have installed, and there is no coverage for workmanship or power generation.
Solar Services
This company primarily installs solar panels and battery backups, but it also offers solar monitoring services.
Financing Options
While the systems from Celestial Solar Innovations are relatively affordable, you’ll only have the option to pay with cash or a solar loan. Leases and PPAs are not accepted.
In-House or Contracted Installations
This is a small company, but it has its own installation team and performs all of the work in-house. This helps the company maintain its stellar reviews and reputation for quality customer service.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Celestial Solar Innovations installs equipment manufactured by Enphase, REC, LG, SolarEdge, Panasonic, Mission Solar, and Solaria. Many of these are considered tier-one brands.
Partnerships
Celestial Solar Innovations has NABCEP-certified installers on its in-house installation team. The company is also accredited by the BBB.
Our Final Verdict on the Top-Rated Solar Companies in Maryland
According to the SEIA, there are around 100 local solar installers in Maryland and even more national companies, all of which can provide solar panel installation services. Choosing the right company involves assessing candidates based on numerous factors, including the overall cost of services, the warranties and product brands offered, the quality of the customer service, and more.
Our pick for the best solar company in Maryland is SunPower, as it has decades of experience, installs top-quality equipment, and maintains excellent customer service and positive customer reviews. Although SunPower is a bit on the expensive side, the quality and consistency of the company’s work make it an outstanding choice for installing your solar panel system in Maryland.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Maryland Solar Company
If you’re still not sure which of the above companies is the best one to tackle your solar project, you might want to do some of your own research on these options or on other companies to be certain you make the right decision. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a solar company in Maryland and why each is important.
Cost of Services & Installation
Of course, the cost of your solar panel system will always be an important factor for you to consider. What you might not know is that installing an identical system with two different companies can come with vastly different prices. Each solar provider can charge unique prices for equipment and installation labor. We recommend comparing solar energy companies based on the price of the system and the overall value, rather than just looking at the cost.
Additionally, costs can vary based on other factors, like your energy needs, your roof size, shading on your roof, and more.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
Maryland is prone to some severe weather, including tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms. For this reason, having a robust warranty for damage to the system is important for protecting your investment and maintaining peace of mind. It’s also a good idea to look for a roof leak warranty and an efficiency warranty, as these will help protect your home and ensure that you save on your energy bills.
Solar Services Offered
While all solar installation companies will be able to provide and install solar panels, you might want or need additional services that can help rule out panel-only companies. For example, all of our top-rated Maryland solar companies install panels and solar batteries, and some tackle EV chargers and other add-on products. However, other companies you might run into in your area might only be able to install panels, which means you can rule them out if you need other solar equipment or services like solar monitoring.
It’s worth mentioning that power outages are relatively common in Maryland due to the potential for extreme weather and the aging electrical infrastructure. As such, you might want to choose a company that offers solar batteries, which are a popular option in MD.
Financing Options
While Maryland solar solutions ultimately save money in most cases, they are expensive, so it’s important to consider your financing options. Most solar companies accept cash purchases and solar loans, and the best solar companies in Maryland provide in-house financing or partner with reputable solar lenders to make the financing process straightforward. Some companies offer solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). These options require no money down and can be appealing for some homeowners, although they save less money in the long run.
Do They Contract Installation?
Some solar companies have an in-house installation team, which means you have a single company that is responsible for your system. This is desirable for many homeowners, as it usually means a higher degree of accountability and overall quality for the system installation. Other companies — like Tesla — outsource the installation to third-party companies, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it more often leads to worse customer service.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Each solar installer provides specific equipment brands, and the options provided by your company make a huge difference in terms of price, efficiency, and overall quality. Some brands — like the Maxeon solar panels installed by SunPower — have higher-than-average efficiency ratings and come with industry-leading warranties, although these often come at higher prices as well. It’s wise to balance performance, quality, and price when searching for a panel brand that suits you. You can then search for companies that carry your desired brand to rule out some of your options.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
It’s always important to check a company’s online ratings and reviews on multiple sources before committing. Given the high demand for solar in Maryland, there are many companies popping up that could prove to be less reliable than others. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on a solar panel system, only to realize that a non-reputable company didn’t size it properly for your home or installed it incorrectly.
We strongly suggest choosing a company with years of experience and mostly positive ratings on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and other review sites.
Industry Partnerships
The solar industry is home to many non-profit organizations that help to promote reputable companies and solar in general. You can look for affiliations with national associations like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or local ones like the Chesapeake Solar & Storage Association (CHESSA) and the Solar United Neighbors of Maryland.
Size of Company
Finally, you should consider the size of the solar company you’re considering, and what the company size means in terms of the service you’ll receive. Smaller, local companies usually provide the best service and response times to inquiries and issues, while larger companies usually provide lower prices and better warranties. These aren’t steadfast rules but rather trends, so make sure to look into how the size of each company you’re considering plays into your price for solar and the customer service you’ll receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most reputable company in Maryland?
In our opinion, SunPower is the most reputable solar company that operates in the Free State. This is a national company that has been around since the 1980s. It installs only top-quality panels, performs in-house installations, and provides industry-leading warranties to keep your system and home protected.
What are the best solar companies in Baltimore, MD?
Our top three solar companies in Baltimore include SunPower, which is a highly-rated national company, and American Solar Enterprises and Bright Eye Solar, both of which are much smaller local companies. All of these options are likely to lead to outstanding customer service and a high-quality solar system that provides tons of value to your home and reduces or eliminates your electric bills.
Does Maryland offer a solar tax credit?
Maryland doesn’t have a state-specific solar tax credit, but all residents can still take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is one of the best solar incentives in the country. Additionally, Maryland has a solar rebate program — the Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program — that can provide additional state-specific savings.
How much does solar installation cost in Maryland?
It’s difficult to say what your solar system will cost in MD because there are many factors that affect your price, including the brand of panels you install, the size of your system, and the company you choose to install your solar panels. Most homeowners in MD pay around $15,000 for solar panels after the ITC is considered, and most systems in the area fall between $10,000 and $20,000.
Which factor is most important to consider when choosing the best solar company in MD?
All of the factors discussed above should be considered when you’re deciding on a solar company in Maryland, but most homeowners find that the warranty coverage is most critical. Maryland receives some severe weather every year that can contribute to panel damage, so a physical warranty is crucial. Additionally, the state receives an average of 59 inches of rain each year, which is well above the national average. As such, a roof leak warranty is a great option to have, although few companies provide long-lasting coverage for roof penetration.
Are solar panels worth it in Maryland?
For most homeowners, the answer to this question is a resounding yes! Although electricity rates in Maryland are around the national average, most homeowners still find that installing solar panels is a worthwhile investment. The typical MD resident will pay around $15,000 for their photovoltaic system but stands to pay back that amount and continue to save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the system. The payback period is around 12 years, on average, after which you’ll likely begin profiting from your system.
Is Maryland a good state to invest in solar?
Maryland is ranked 18th in the country in terms of solar adoption, and the potential savings in the Free State are outstanding, thanks to slightly above-average energy rates and plentiful sunshine. Most homeowners end up saving thousands by installing solar, despite the seemingly high system cost.
Can I get free solar panel installation in Maryland?
Some solar panel companies advertise free solar panels in Maryland, but no company will actually provide panels for free. Most of the time, these companies are looking to get you to sign a PPA or solar lease, neither of which is as beneficial to you as a purchased or financed solar system. It’s usually best to stay away from these options.
How does solar increase my home value in Maryland?
Solar adds an average of 4.1% to your home value, according to Zillow. With solar becoming more commonplace in America, buyers understand that solar panels will help keep energy bills from utility companies to a minimum, which, in turn, means they value solar energy equipment. Maryland also has quite a few solar incentives that make solar panel systems more valuable overall. These include a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program that lets you sell excess solar energy for cash, the Maryland Solar Energy Rebate program, and net metering, which helps offset and eliminate energy bills entirely by converting to solar energy.
