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Best Solar Companies in Maryland

We compared 93 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,054)
    • Community solar
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Maryland

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    CleanChoice Energy logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      If you’re ready to go solar in Maryland but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 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 we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,591,400 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 3 best solar companies reviewed

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Sunrun: Best leasing program
      2. CleanChoice Energy: Best community solar option
      3. ShopSolar: Best DIY equipment selection
      Our pick for solar leases
      Sunrun
      Sunrun
      4.2
      3,054 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2007
      Get Started Read Reviews

      Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with battery storage options. It offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Maryland. The company starts by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs, and then reps use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

      We like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. Happy customers tell us about positive experiences with the company, praising its customer service and professional installation services. They were generally satisfied with the savings on their electric bills and the ease of enrolling.

      • “Enrolling with Sunrun was very easy. We talked to the guy, then he came down and showed us how everything would be set up. He explained everything down to the detail. The installation was quick and efficient. I also haven't had any issues after the installation at all. Since we got the system installed, my electrical bill has gone down previously. Now, it's gone up. But we added something to our house that is using more electricity than before. Other than that, Sunrun has an app and it tells us how much the panels are producing. They're a good company.” —  Pierce in Monrovia, MD

      • “The rep was fantastic when I was getting set up with Sunrun and the crew who came out were professional. They didn't leave a single nail or wire in my yard. Everything was the best. Since going solar, I'm not paying $900 a month in my electric bills anymore.” — Roman in Myersville, MD

      • “Everything was amazing. I went with Veterans Affairs for my home loan and Sunrun was one of the services they solicited to me. I went with them because they said they were military-friendly. I purchased in October and it didn't get finalized until June. That was after waiting on the power company, Maryland SMECO, to do their authorization. Besides that, it went smoothly. Sunrun took care of everything for me. Because I'm leasing, the cost is a little more, but that's fine.” — Dwaine in Waldorf, MD

      Some customers were frustrated over issues like installation delays. For instance, Jeffrey in Lexington Park, Maryland, liked that the enrollment was easy, but the actual installation took longer than expected.

      Others felt that Sunrun was not transparent about the potential challenges and limitations of solar energy, leading to unrealistic expectations. “If you look at their warranty or website, they say ‘worry-free’ warranty, which covers equipment repairs and replacement, including parts and labor. I am so disappointed, I wish I had known this ahead before jumped both feet in,” Thanh in Beltsville, Maryland, told us.

      Sunrun is a leading residential solar, battery storage and energy services provider in the United States. The company pioneered solar-as-a-service models, making clean energy adoption accessible to homeowners through flexible purchase, leasing and payment plans without large upfront costs. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      • Accessible financing
      • Battery storage solutions
      • Monitoring and maintenance
      • EV charging solutions

      Sunrun has warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs. It also has a 95% system performance guarantee.

      You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

      • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then, you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
      • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

      Pros

      • Long time in business
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      Our pick for community solar
      CleanChoice Energy
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      N/A
      Year founded
      2012
      Read Reviews

      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, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, Pepco and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative electric territories. Your decision also helps increase the demand for renewable energy sources, leading to more development of solar and wind projects.

      • “I've been with CleanChoice Energy for nine months now. I like that their price was cheap.” — Edwin in Bel Air, MD
      • “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, MD
      • “I’ve been with CleanChoice for about a year and I'm billed through the utility company. I pay a fixed price but I can renegotiate it when they have a lower price. When I was renewing, I said their automatic renewal price is more expensive than the ads I'm seeing for their energy online. So, they offered me a better rate than the automatic renewal rate was gonna be.” — Taina in Gaithersburg, MD

      CleanChoice Energy acts as an alternative energy supplier in Maryland. Instead of getting your electricity from the default utility company in your area, CleanChoice 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.

      • Renewable energy supply
      • Community solar programs
      • Carbon offset options
      • Custom sustainability plans

      CleanChoice Energy has monthly, quarterly and annual memberships. Pricing plans may vary depending on the market conditions. It’s best to contract the company directly for the most accurate rate information in your area.

      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
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      ShopSolar
      ShopSolar
      4.7
      159 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      Read Reviews

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for DIY projects. We like that ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      • “Enrolling with ShopSolarKits was straightforward. They were quick at answering. They sent me the estimate or the price of what I wanted with the panels and that was super easy. I started with one of their kits that they had, but I wanted extra panels. I emailed them. They emailed me back an invoice with the extra panels I wanted. They sent me the instructions to wire transfer the money. We did that and they sent the kit and everything worked out great. One of the panels showed up broken. They had me send them pictures of it because they don't do one panel shipments. They have to do at least four. But they refunded me for that one panel with just some pictures and it was super easy. They were willing to work with me to get the refund. They also refunded the money immediately. There was no long wait. The whole experience was great.” — Wade in Valley Lee, MD

      • “ShopSolar appeared to have a lot of choices. A lot of information. I liked their site. I got an EcoFlow kit. It came with a battery backup and solar panels. So, I did it mostly for batteries that I wanted to be able to be self-sufficient. The stuff was packaged well. It came quickly. Came out, started working. The questions that I contacted about, they got back to me. So, I've been very happy with them. I've had the kit for a year and it works good. I'm able to use the solar every day, and use my batteries every day…” — Paul in Columbia, MD

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. So, it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      Additionally, some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment, but ShopSolar generally resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      Maryland solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in Maryland.

      Key insights

      • In Maryland, a typical residential solar panel system costs $9,800 to $28,000, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.
      • The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for buying solar panels in Maryland. You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.
      • Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected. Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      Going solar in Maryland

      Solar installation companies have to be licensed as home improvement contractors with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. And if the solar panels connect to your electrical system or the power grid, a licensed electrician has to do that part. Always check with the state licensing agencies to make sure the contractor you hire has the right credentials.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Maryland ranked No. 9 in 2024

      What to look for in a solar company in Maryland

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years. In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common:

      • Good reputation: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Long time in business: Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Maryland. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives. Legitimate solar companies also have proper licensing, insurance and NABCEP certification for installers.
      • Comprehensive service: Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in Maryland.
      • Free consultations: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How much does it cost to go solar in Maryland?

      Average solar panel costs in Maryland typically range between $9,800 and $28,000. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Maryland, the average cost per watt is $2.80.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Maryland

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage is no interest charges.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

      Maryland also has legalized power purchase agreements (PPAs), unlike many other states. PPAs work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell since a new buyer will have to take over the lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Maryland

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial installations, and it includes the cost of the solar panels and other equipment, labor and additional features for monitoring the system.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. You don’t get these benefits automatically, though. You have to claim your solar equipment, labor and permits on your federal taxes for the same year you started using your system on Form 5695.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which reduces your taxable income. It isn’t a rebate or a refund. It only offsets your tax liability; you can't take advantage of the ITC if you don’t owe taxes in the first place. However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount.

      Maryland also has additional tax incentives and rebates. For example, homes with solar can get property tax credits and exemptions for the value the solar equipment adds to their homes.

      » EXPLORE: Maryland solar incentives, tax credits and rebates

      Are solar panels worth it in Maryland?

      We’ve talked to dozens of Maryland residents who have gone solar. Many reported significant savings on their electricity bills after installing solar panels. Some just appreciate the environmental benefits of using solar energy. For a lot of residents, it’s some combination that makes installing solar panels worth it in the long run.

      For example, Rebecca in Baltimore, Maryland, said she likes getting cheap bills from Delmarva Power since installing solar panels. “It's definitely worth it. It's crazy how much money we're saving already,” she told us.

      The general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Maryland. On average, homeowners can avoid $64,703 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      However, we’ve also heard about problems with leaks and roof damage caused by the installation of solar panels, leading to frustration and difficulties in getting repairs. Roger in Aberdeen, Maryland, who was overall happy with his decision to go solar, told us, “I was very unsatisfied with the time it took to both remove the panels and then put them back when I had my roof replaced.”

      It's definitely worth it. It's crazy how much money we're saving already.”
      — Rebecca in Baltimore, Maryland

      It’s a common misconception that solar panels always eliminate your monthly power bill — this is not always the case. Frank in Columbia, Maryland, mentioned seasonal production changes: “I've seen the benefits of switching to solar in the summertime, but in the wintertime, I don’t.”

      On the bright side, people who still have a bill after going solar typically pay significantly less than before. The return on investment of a solar panel installation depends on the efficiency and size of your system. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      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 will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Can I get free solar panels in Maryland?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Maryland. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process.

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA?

      If you lease a solar system or enter a PPA, you don't own the panels, but you benefit from the cheap electricity they produce. The solar company that owns the system is responsible for maintaining it, so you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs. The key difference is how you pay.

      • Lease: Entering a solar lease is basically renting a solar panel system. As with leasing a car, you pay a fixed amount every month over a set period of time, typically 25 years.
      • Power purchase agreement: With a PPA, you don't pay a fixed monthly price. You pay for the electricity the panels produce, usually at a fixed rate that’s lower than you would receive without a PPA.
      How does net metering work in Maryland?

      Net metering lets homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate. Your solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that powers your home first. Any excess electricity your panels generate flows back into the grid.

      In Maryland, systems eligible for net metering must be less than 2 megawatts (MW) in capacity or 200% of your annual baseline electricity. Each month, you are still billed for the net difference between your electricity usage and the amount you generate:

      • If you generate more than you use: Your bill will be smaller or even negative, indicating a credit.
      • If you use more than you generate: You will be billed for the difference at the standard rate.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Maryland. We then 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 the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      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.

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

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%
      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in Maryland are:

      1. Best leasing program: Sunrun
      2. Best community solar option: CleanChoice Energy
      3. Best DIY equipment selection: ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

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

        1. DSIRE, "Maryland Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Maryland.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Maryland Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Maryland?” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.

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