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Best Solar Companies in Baltimore, Maryland

We compared 29 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,033)
    • Competitive pricing
      Project Solar
      4.8(77)
    • Community solar
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)

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      Best Solar Companies in Baltimore, Maryland

      Our top solar company picks for Baltimore

      1. Best overall: Sunrun
      2. Competitive and transparent pricing: Project Solar
      3. Our pick for community solar: CleanChoice Energy

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Baltimore based on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies in Baltimore

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Baltimoreans’ energy needs.

      Our top pick overall

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,033 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a recent two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and would highly recommend the company to others. We also like that Sunrun’s leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

      • “One of the sales guys contacted me after I signed up for looking for vendors for solar, and his pitch seemed to be the best. It was extremely easy to enroll with Sunrun. We told them the maximum amount of panels that can be put on my roof, and they gave me that. The installation went great. I noticed my energy bill is a lot lower, and the system covers most of my energy bill at this point.” — Michael in Baltimore
      • “The salesman made two trips to my home and explained the process. People came to look at my utilities and see what would be required. The permit came and then the guys came to install. The process was good. I had a great experience.” — Darnell in Baltimore

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

      Pros

      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Reliable systems
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some customer service complaints
      Our pick for competitive pricing

      Project Solar

      4.8
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016

      We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “The dude who sold me the ION Solar was cool. His name was Noe. Everything went fine. However, they were supposed to come paint the conduit but they didn’t. They didn’t paint the one on the roof. For the one on the side of the house, they didn’t have paint for it and I had to use my paint and they put it on with a brush and it looks like **. But it’s all right. It is what it is.” — Jack in Baltimore

      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about some delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Silfab and Enphase.

      • Services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s and 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Great value

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing
      Our pick for community solar

      CleanChoice Energy

      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      N/A
      Payment options
      Varies
      Year founded
      2012

      CleanChoice Energy isn't a solar panel installer, but it does provide access to community solar in Maryland. This means even those who can't install solar panels on their own property can subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and receive credits on their electricity bill for the energy generated.

      Signing up is easy for customers in Baltimore Gas and Electric Company territories.

      • “With CleanChoice, my power goes out less. My bill is a little bit higher, but that's what I expected from this. CleanChoice is more expensive per kilowatt-hours but I wanted to go with a reputable brand. I referred my neighbor to them. We both have CleanChoice now.” — Aja in Parkville

      CleanChoice generally buys the cheapest clean energy available in your area, but you should be aware that energy prices can still fluctuate. While a few negative reviews mention issues with promotional rates, the majority of customers are satisfied with their experience.

      CleanChoice Energy acts as an alternative energy supplier. Instead of getting your electricity from the default utility company in your area, it can provide electricity sourced from wind and solar power that is generated in the region. Your local utility still handles the poles, wires and infrastructure that brings power into your home. 

      It has monthly, quarterly and annual memberships. There are no cancellation or early termination fees for residential customers, so you can stop at any time without penalty.

      Pros

      • 100% clean energy from local sources
      • Variable and fixed payment plans
      • No termination fees
      • Referral bonuses

      Cons

      • Services vary by location
      • Prices are dependent on market

      How we chose the best solar companies in Baltimore

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the temperate climate, to choose the best solar companies in Baltimore, Maryland, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Baltimore solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Marylanders who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Baltimore residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $30,947 in Baltimore.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Baltimore may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Baltimore City County or Maryland government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Baltimore

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,800 to $28,000 in Maryland. Prices in Baltimore are comparable, ranging from $10,640 to $30,400.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Baltimore household needs a system with a capacity of 10.18 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Baltimore

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Baltimore?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Maryland if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Baltimore homeowners with solar panels can avoid $64,703 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. However, the high density of buildings and trees can cast shadows, so shade assessment is essential. Baltimore’s hot summers and milder winters can lead to lower-than-average winter solar output, so appropriately sizing the system is key.

      We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Baltimore

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Maryland have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: Solar installations are considered electrical work, so your installer has to have an electrical license. You can verify a contractor's license through the Maryland Department of Labor database. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      Solar incentives in Baltimore

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Maryland to maximize savings. For instance, there are tax exemptions that reduce installation costs, and the state’s Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program lets homeowners sell solar credits.

      Baltimore solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Baltimore?

      Local permits are generally required for most residential solar panel installations, which you can apply for online through the Baltimore County Government.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      State law prohibits HOAs from restricting solar panel installations in a way that significantly reduces their efficiency.

      » GREENEST STATES: Maryland ranked 10th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Baltimore?

      Net metering lets you draw power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough. In return, you can send excess energy back to the grid for credit. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.

      Maryland’s net metering program allows residential and commercial solar energy users to send excess electricity back to the grid, which then offsets their utility bills. This program applies to various renewable energy systems up to a capacity of 2 megawatts. Surplus generation credits roll over monthly, and at the end of the 12-month cycle, users may request payment for unused credits.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Maryland ranked 9th in 2024

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Baltimore

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Baltimore, Maryland. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Baltimore customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Sunrun
      2. Project Solar
      3. CleanChoice Energy

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Baltimore, MD." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Maryland Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. DSIRE, "Maryland Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Maryland." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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