Comparing solar companies in Maryland? Explore what homeowners should evaluate when choosing a trusted installer with the experience and skills to meet their property’s needs.
When choosing among solar companies in Maryland, consider everything from licensing credentials and financing options to local installation experience to determine which providers are the best choice for your home.
How Solar Panel Financing Works and What to Look For
Solar panels can be financed in several ways, and not every method is offered by every provider. Review the differences between them before selecting an installer, so you can ask if they provide the method that makes sense in your situation.
1. Solar Loan
A solar loan spreads out the cost of the solar panels over a predetermined number of monthly payments. Similar to other major loans, solar panel loans often require a credit check to verify the borrower’s ability to repay.
When paying off a solar loan, the homeowner has a high level of ownership and control over the solar panel installation. They pay for most of the maintenance while also getting most of the benefits, which can be significant in Maryland.
2. Solar Lease
In solar leases, the third-party owner retains control over the system, including access to financial benefits and most or all of the maintenance responsibility. Most solar leases are signed for a fixed monthly fee.
3. Power Purchase Agreement
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to a solar lease, but instead of a fixed monthly fee, homeowners pay for the power generated by the panels and delivered to their homes. This makes the month-to-month finances more familiar to homeowners, though the bills should be lower than on-grid power usage.
4. Cash Purchase
Cash purchases grant the homeowner full rights to their system’s benefits and full responsibility for the maintenance. This method is the most expensive up-front, but is often the fastest way to reach the breakeven point on your solar investment.
Pro Tip: Before signing an agreement with a provider, ask about available financing options and how costs are broken down, including your monthly payment, estimated savings, payback timeline, interest rate, and any escalator clauses.
What License Credentials To Look For
The solar installation process is more involved than simply picking a provider and hooking up the system. Though the actual installation often takes three days or less, the process leading up to it requires other skills and experience that not every provider can offer.
Here’s a shortlist of questions to ask your potential providers to make sure they have the right credentials to complete your solar installation the right way:
1. Are you licensed to install systems in Maryland?
Reputable solar installers can provide a license number and prove that their credentials are active before you sign the agreement.
2. Do you carry liability insurance for your projects?
Liability insurance helps protect your property if a worker makes a mistake. Installers should also always have workers’ compensation insurance (required by Maryland law) to cover medical costs if a worker is injured on your property.
3. Will licensed electricians work on the project? Do you outsource the electrical work?
Despite providing the credentials for their in-house team, some solar providers outsource the electrical work to subcontractors. Confirm the credentials of the team that will actually install the system to make sure the company is transparent about its responsibilities.
4. Are you an MSAP Participating Contractor?
When available, the Maryland Solar Access Program provides homeowners with a grant to help lower the initial cost of a solar installation. Only certain solar contractors are approved to participate in MSAP, so it’s worth checking. Visit the Maryland Energy Administration website to learn more about MSAP eligibility and make sure you choose a participating contractor for your solar installation.
5. Have you served many customers in my area?
Different areas, even within Maryland, have different permitting requirements, utility providers, weather patterns, and more. The more experience a provider has in your specific area, the more likely they are to optimize your installation.
6. What is your warranty process?
Ask how the provider’s warranty coverage will impact the long-term value of your solar panels, including whether equipment, performance, and workmanship warranties are available. Ask how long the warranties last to be clear upfront about how much protection you’re paying for.
Pro Tip: Generous warranty periods often indicate that a provider stands by the quality of their installations, though warranty length is not the only factor. The quality of the coverage should also be considered.
Prioritize Local Experience When Choosing a Solar Installer in Maryland
At Energy Select, our team of local installers prioritizes transparency and craftsmanship when preparing your on-site assessment, installing your new solar panels, or answering your questions. We offer detailed assessments that include same-day pricing to make sure you’re well-equipped to choose the best solar company for your project’s needs, whether or not you select our team for the job.
Contact us today to learn more about our financing options, warranty terms, and on-site assessment process so that you can make the best investment in your energy future.