5 Best Solar Companies in Maryland (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose SunRun

We chose SunRun primarily because it offers robust protection for its installations, specifically if you choose a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) to finance your array. In addition to robust warranty protection, the company also promises to replace any damaged or defective equipment for free for the life of your contract — usually 25 years. This is something I haven’t seen from any other solar installer, and it provides you with ultimate peace of mind. There’s a lot to be said for that in a state like Maryland, where extreme weather like hurricanes and tropical storms can threaten rooftop systems.

SunRun also has a nice array of add-on options that let you customize your system and get the most out of your equipment. Those include unique solar storage options for backup energy through power outages and installation services for smart electrical panels, which can help you reduce your energy consumption and save even more money over time.

While I think SunRun is a solid choice, there are some downsides to consider. There are some customer complaints about poor customer service, so there’s a chance you won’t have the smoothest experience when going solar. Additionally, SunRun contracts out all of the labor, so you may run into miscommunication between the parties that lead to delays and other issues throughout the process.

What I Like About SunRun

I think the most appealing thing about SunRun is its comprehensive coverage package for systems financed through a lease or PPA. I generally don’t recommend these — more on that later — but if you know you want to use one of these $0-down options, I think SunRun is the way to go. You get a 25-year warranty for your equipment and panel performance, a 10-year guarantee that your roof won’t leak and lifetime maintenance for your system.

SunRun also offers energy efficiency upgrades, EV charger installations and professional monitoring, which let you customize your system based on your needs and expectations.

What I Don’t Like About SunRun

As I mentioned above, SunRun has some issues with customer service, and your experience will depend on your local branch and the third-party installer assigned to your project. This is somewhat understandable, given how large the company is, but I’d really love to see SunRun tighten up its processes to provide better and more consistent customer service.

Additionally, I’m not a fan of SunRun prioritizing and incentivizing solar leases and PPAs. These financing options are less beneficial for customers over time, saving an average of just $4,000 to $5,000 over the life of the agreement as opposed to the $27,783 in lifetime savings that are typical if you purchased your system in cash, or $22,800 if you used a solar loan. I love to see companies offering leases and PPAs because they help keep solar accessible, but incentivizing them suggests that the company may put its own bottom line above what’s best for the customer.

SunRun Installation Process and Timeline

SunRun doesn’t share typical timelines for its installation process online, but I’d expect it to take between 6 and 8 weeks from your initial consultation to the day your panels start offsetting your energy consumption. This is about standard in the solar industry. Based on some customer reviews I read, there’s a chance your project could experience some delays with SunRun, so the timeline could be a bit longer.

The actual installation process is similar to what you’d expect from most installers. First, a SunRun representative will inspect your home and gauge its solar viability by looking at roof space, energy demands and shading on your property. Then, the design team will design a system that suits your needs and present you with a formal estimate. Once you approve that, SunRun will pull permits for your system and then have a third-party installer install your equipment. Finally, SunRun will schedule final inspections before activating your system.

SunRun Standard Services & Financing 

22/25

SunRun scores well in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing. It loses some points because it outsources labor to third-party companies. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it does open the door for miscommunication and delays in the process, and your experience will depend on the company assigned to your project. I prefer companies that do everything in-house for these reasons.

SunRun installs solar batteries, namely the Tesla Powerwall. Batteries are more of a luxury in Maryland than anything else, and you should know that you don’t need them to maximize your solar savings. The state has an outstanding net metering policy that allows you to export excess power to the grid and then pull an equivalent amount at a later date when your panels underproduce, like at night. Batteries are still nice to have because they can provide power during outages, which is especially beneficial in Maryland due to the extreme weather that makes outages a bigger threat. However, you don’t need batteries to see maximum financial value from your system.

I should also mention that SunRun has an exclusive deal with Ford to provide a unique backup power option. If you have a Ford F-150 Lightning™, you can both charge your EV using your solar system and use the truck’s battery as backup for your home. This is a really interesting setup that further legitimizes EVs, and I’d love to see other installers start offering similar options.

Every SunPower installation also gives you access to the SunRun app, which lets you monitor your system’s performance and your energy consumption, and it also lets you make payments on your solar system, if applicable. Being able to monitor your system means you can identify performance issues early on, so you can get repairs underway immediately and avoid a loss of savings.

Cost and Financing Options

SunRun estimates that the average cost of its solar equipment sits around $25,000 for a 6.2-kilowatt (kW) system, which puts the per-watt cost at $4.03. According to our research, this is well above the average in Maryland — around $3.37 per watt — but keep in mind that the cost from SunRun is a national average, so prices can vary in your area.

SunRun accepts 3 of the 4 major solar financing options, including cash purchases, solar loans and solar leases. The option you choose will affect pricing and savings, so you should pick carefully.

Paying in cash is the least accessible option because you’ll have to pay the entire system cost upfront. Based on our research, the average cost to go solar in Maryland is around $33,700 before incentives, or closer to $23,600 after the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Paying this much upfront isn’t realistic for many homeowners, but I recommend it if you can make it work. Cash purchases let you take advantage of the ITC and other local incentives, and they lead to the highest possible savings over time — an average of over $27,750 in Maryland.

A solar loan is the next best option, in my opinion. It’s much more accessible because you’re only on the hook for a small down payment. Loans lead to panel ownership, so you’ll still be able to take advantage of the ITC and local incentives. Your system will cost more in total because of the interest you’ll pay, which will also reduce your net savings by an average of around $5,000, according to our research. Still, a loan will lead to typical savings totaling around $22,750.

A lease is one of the most accessible options because you don’t have to put any money down. Instead, you pay a monthly rental fee for the panels and get to use the electricity they generate for free to reduce your monthly utility bills. Leases come with some downsides, though. They don’t let you take the ITC, so you’ll miss out on an average potential value of over $10,000. You also won’t own your system, so selling your home can be a bit more complicated. Additionally, leases only save a total of around $5,000, which is much less impressive than the $27,000+ you’d save if you paid cash.

PPAs are similar to leases in terms of savings, incentive eligibility and how they can complicate selling your home. Note that SunRun doesn’t accept PPAs, but leases are a good alternative.

I should note again that SunRun is an excellent option if you know you want a solar lease. It offers some of the best system protection to leasing customers, which makes the option a bit more enticing.

SunRun Extra Services Offered 

3/5

SunRun also scores reasonably high in our ratings when it comes to the add-on options it offers. It loses just 2 points because it doesn’t handle roof repairs or replacements. When you’re going solar, you have to make sure your roof is in good condition, or you’ll just have to pay to remove and replace your panels in a few years to carry out roof work. Going with a company that handles both solar and roofing makes this process more convenient because you don’t have to search for and vet a roofing company, too. A company that handles both is also responsible for any issues, so there’s no finger-pointing if something goes wrong.

I like to promote solar companies that offer energy efficiency upgrades in addition to standard solar services because they can help you have a bigger positive impact on the environment and get more out of your solar array. I’m happy to see that SunRun installs smart electrical panels from SPANⓇ. This gives you the ability to monitor and control your electricity consumption remotely, which can help you save more money using your panels and reduce your energy consumption.

SunRun also installs EV chargers to give you at-home charging capability for your electric vehicle. Maryland ranks 13th in the country in terms of EV adoption, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so I expect this will be a welcome add-on for many customers both now and in the future as the adoption rate increases. Coupling your system with an EV charger means you can also apply the ITC to the cost of the charger, which effectively lets you save up to 30% on the cost.

Finally, SunRun offers professional system monitoring on all of its systems, regardless of how you pay for your equipment. It’s great to have access to mobile monitoring apps to keep track of your system yourself, but having SunRun do it for you takes the responsibility out of your hands and gives you a better chance of identifying issues and getting them rectified early. Ultimately, this should help you maximize your savings in the long run.

SunRun Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar is one of the best things you can do for the environment as a homeowner. You’ll drastically reduce your carbon footprint and emissions by swapping electricity produced from burning fossil fuels to energy generated using the sun as a renewable energy source. However, I still think it’s important to choose an installer and equipment that takes sustainability seriously.

SunRun has installed solar on over 11,000 homes, which has a massive positive impact on the environment — that’s over 18 million metric tons of CO2 kept out of the air. The company also promotes volunteering among its employees, which has a positive impact on the ecosystem and the solar community.

I also assess each equipment brand our recommended installers work with to see how sustainable those companies are. SunRun installs panels from SolarEdge, QCells, Canadian Solar and REC. SolarEdge panels score below average in our ratings in terms of sustainability because they aren’t manufactured using recycled materials. QCells, REC and Canadian Solar all tie for the most sustainable brands, as they include recycled materials, the companies have recycling programs to keep old panels out of landfills and none of them have a history of unsustainable business practices, like forced labor, unfair pay or unsafe working conditions.

SunRun Equipment Quality & Reliability 

16.7/25

With the average cost of solar in Maryland sitting around $33,700 before incentives, you’ll naturally want to make sure your system is protected and will continue serving you for decades to come. I compare the panel brands available from each installer based on 18 factors, 3 of which I think are especially important in Maryland. Those include the panel efficiency, the snow load rating and the wind load rating.

The panel efficiency rating tells you how much of the sunlight that hits your panels they’ll actually convert to electricity you can use in your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy they’ll generate and the more of your bills they’ll offset. The efficiency rating is especially important in Maryland because residents in the state use more electricity than most U.S. residents. The best solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher, and all of the brands available from SunRun exceed that gold standard. Canadian Solar panels have the highest efficiency of the brands available, topping out at 23.3%.

The snow load rating tells you how much weight your panels can withstand on the top face before sustaining damage. In some parts of Maryland, this isn’t a big deal, but if you live in the western portions of the state that can see up to 100 inches of snow a year, it’s a crucial thing to consider. Tier-one panels average around 5,870 Pascals (Pa), with higher ratings able to stand up to more snow accumulation. Two brands from SunRun — Canadian Solar and SolarEdge — have below-average snow load ratings — 5,400 Pa each — so I’d only recommend them to customers near the coast. REC panels have an impressive rating of 7,000 Pa, and QCells is the industry leader — and the best for snow protection — at 8,100 Pa.

The wind load rating tells you how much force your panels can withstand from the underside, which is important in Maryland, where strong winds from hurricanes and tropical storms can put intense upward pressure on your panels. This is more of a concern for coastal residents, as they’re the most prone to these extreme weather conditions. Tier-one panel brands have an average wind load rating of 3,520 Pa. Once again, Canadian Solar and SolarEdge panels fall below the average at 2,400 Pa. QCells and REC have above-average ratings of 3,600 and 4,000 Pa, respectively, making them better options for customers along the coast.

Warranties and Guarantees

In addition to panel specs, I think it’s important to understand the solar warranties you get with your system. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage to get a complete picture of how well protected your system is.

First, I look at equipment warranties. These come from your manufacturer, in most cases, and they protect you from manufacturer defects. Most brands offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and all of the options available from SunRun meet that standard.

Next, I consider performance warranties. These also come from your manufacturer and guarantee that your panels won’t lose more than a certain percentage of their original efficiency over the warranty period. This is crucial in Maryland for long-term savings, as residents use more electricity per month than most U.S. homeowners. Slower degradation rates mean you’ll get more power over time, leading to greater savings in the long run. Most brands guarantee that between 85% and 92% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. Canadian Solar and SolarEdge guarantee 89.4% in that timeframe, QCells guarantees 90.58% and REC is the most durable of the bunch, guaranteeing the full 92%.

Third, I look at workmanship warranties, which protects you from issues related to mistakes during the installation process. These are particularly important with companies like SunRun that outsource labor. The industry standard is around 12 years, and SunRun more than doubles that with a 25-year labor warranty if you lease your system. Note that you only get a 10-year labor warranty if you use cash or a loan to buy your panels.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties. Most companies don’t offer these, but having this coverage is especially important in Maryland, where just about every part of the state sees above-average rainfall or snowfall that increase the risk of leaking and water damage. SunRun really blows most competitors out of the water in terms of roof leak coverage, offering a 10-year warranty on all roof penetrations, regardless of the financing option you pick.

SunRun Company Reputation 

19.5/25

I always look at an installer’s reputation in the local solar market to assess how it treats customers, and I think that’s especially important in a state like Maryland, where you have over 100 options for solar installation companies and the demand is booming.

First, SunRun was founded in 2007, so it has 17 years of experience behind it. The solar industry is highly competitive and constantly changing, so a company’s ability to stay in business and maintain a level of success is often a good sign that it’s here to stay. SunRun has more than proven its longevity, which suggests that both the company and the warranty coverage it offers will both stick around for the long term.

SunRun also uses NABCEP-certified installers, meaning they undergo specialized training beyond what’s required by the State of Maryland. NABCEP certification suggests that you’ll get an expert installation, which should reduce the risk of issues and failed inspections that can lead to out-of-pocket costs and delays throughout the process.

SunRun is also an SEIA member, which shows that it has some financial stake in the solar industry. This helps legitimize the company’s longevity and, once again, suggests that the company and your warranty coverage will be around for years to come.

Finally, I review each company’s customer rating scores on sites like the BBB and TrustPilot to get a sense of how pleased real-world customers are with the service they receive. SunRun maintains an A+ score and a 3.6-star rating on the BBB, which is above average, but it has a poor score of just 1.4 stars on TrustPilot. It’s clear from reading through the reviews that the company has some issues with customer service. I’ll discuss specifics in the next section, but note that your experience can vary based on your local branch and the third-party installer assigned to your project.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

As a part of my company reputation review, I read through dozens of customer reviews to see what the company does well and where it falls short of customer expectations. The positive reviews for SunRun mention professional and timely installations, as well as systems performing as advertised by the sales representative. Unfortunately, there are also quite a few negative reviews that suggest the possibility of delayed responses, particularly to warranty claims, salespeople misrepresenting potential savings and the benefits of solar incentives and systems not meeting performance and savings expectations.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative SunRun review below to give you an idea of the best- and worst-case scenario you can reasonably expect if you choose SunRun.

“I recently had solar put on my home through SunRun and couldn’t be happier. The sales rep did a great job of explaining how it all works [and] why it’s so important; the fact that we have batteries [in] our home so we never have blackouts again, no maintenance for us to worry about, its free installation etc. The install crew was in and out in one day. The SunRun tech came an hour before the [utility company] tech that was making sure everything was switched over right, just to make sure everything was ready the way it should be. And our bill is 1/3 of what it was! Plus we get to send power back to [our utility company] for credits.” — Emily V. via BBB

“I have never dealt with a company so poorly run. Their customer service is beyond abysmal. When you run into an issue, they will continually tell you they are working on it. When you call back the next day to follow up, they will say they have no record of your calls (and there will be dozens and dozens of calls). They also claim to never have email records (mind you, these are email chains they claim to not have). I have spent countless hours trying to just get help with SunRun. Their salesmen play a good game that tricks a lot of people, but how else can they act when almost all of their money is made through commission! I would never in a million years recommend SunRun to a single person.” — Alexa B. via TrustPilot

SunRun Customer Service 

4/10

The final part of our solar company review process involves reading through dozens of customer reviews to identify the specific issues customers have with the provider. Some issues are more of a red flag than others, in my opinion, like delays in responding to warranty claims or shady marketing and business practices. Unfortunately, a lot of what I read about SunRun involved those problems. I really wish the company made more of an effort to be upfront and honest about solar savings and incentives, and it pains me to see a company like this delaying when servicing systems. I understand prioritizing new customers, but at the same time, a good solar installer will also stand behind its products and labor, and SunRun clearly fails to do that in some cases. As such, it lost quite a few points for customer service in our ratings.

On the other hand, I called SunRun as a secret shopper and had a pleasant experience. The representative was helpful and knowledgeable, although they didn’t clearly explain the benefits and drawbacks of solar batteries specifically in Maryland, where one-to-one net metering makes them more of an expense than an asset. Still, the call went well, and I didn’t feel any pressure to agree to an in-person meeting, even after asking a few qualifying questions.

I’ll say again that your experience with SunRun can vary based on your local branch and representative. Additionally, with the evidence of misleading marketing and salesmanship, I encourage you to do your own research before contacting SunRun.

Why We Chose Trinity Solar

Trinity Solar is a great option if you’re looking for peace of mind for your solar investment, as the company has stellar warranty coverage for equipment, labor and even roof leaks. These are especially helpful in Maryland, where extreme weather and above-average rainfall and snowfall can threaten rooftop solar systems.

On top of that, Trinity has 30 years of experience in the solar industry, uses NABCEP-certified solar technicians, so you have a better chance of getting a problem-free and hassle-free system and installation as opposed to most other installation companies.

Trinity is an outstanding company overall, but there are some downsides to consider, too. Namely, it has middling customer reviews, which suggests that not all customer experiences are as positive as they should be from a company with so much experience.

What I Like About Trinity Solar

There are a lot of positive things I can say about Trinity Solar, starting with the wealth of services it provides. It covers the basics and also handles all of the add-on services I look for in an installer, including roof replacements and repairs. This means that Trinity is a one-stop shop for all things solar.

Trinity also accepts all financing options, including cash payments, solar loans, leases and PPAs, so whether you’re looking to keep upfront costs as low as possible, or you want to maximize your long-term savings, Trinity should be able to meet your needs. This is a major plus in my opinion, as it helps keep solar as accessible as possible, even in Maryland, where installation costs are more than 10% higher than the national average.

What I Don’t Like About Trinity Solar

There are a few things I’m not thrilled with, though, including the average customer reviews. Trinity has a 3.65-star rating with the BBB, which is slightly above average, but it only maintains a 2.8-star review on TrustPilot, which, of course, is less than ideal. More importantly, from reading the reviews, I see that it struggles with overall customer service in some cases but also has a history of some misleading marketing and slow responses to warranty claims, which I think are red flags. These issues don’t seem terribly common, but I think the fact that they’re there to begin with is a downside.

Trinity Solar also includes a workmanship warranty that lasts for 10 years if you buy your system in cash, which is just below the industry average. You can get 25 years of coverage if you lease or use a loan or PPA, but I’d really prefer to see that great coverage available for all financing options.

Trinity Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Trinity Solar doesn’t have a specific installation timeline it mentions on its website, but based on customer reviews I read, I expect you’d have to wait the typical 6 to 8 weeks from the consultation to when your panels become active.

The process the company follows is standard, too. You’ll first have a consultation, during which your representative will assess your home, inspect your roof and figure out how much energy you use each month. The design team will then design a system to fit your home and meet your needs, and your rep will provide you with a formal estimate. Once you sign the agreement, Trinity will pull all necessary permits and then install your equipment once permits are approved. Finally, the company will schedule final inspections with your building department and utility company before activating your panels.

Trinity Solar Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Trinity Solar gets perfect marks in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options. One area where Trinity is a superior option over SunRun, in my opinion, is the installation team. Trinity uses all in-house installers, which means you have a lower risk of running into spotty customer service and miscommunication that can be an issue with outsourced labor. Note that the use of in-house installers doesn’t guarantee a positive experience, but in my opinion, it increases the chances of you being satisfied.

Trinity offers solar batteries, which make up the common services you’ll find from most installers. I do like that there are battery options for backup power, especially since Maryland sees quite a bit of extreme weather that makes power outages more of a risk. However, I’ll mention again that Maryland has a generous net metering policy, so batteries won’t provide the financial benefit they would in an area without net metering. NEM policies are on the decline across the country, though, so battery options also help future-proof Trinity’s offerings.

All of Trinity’s installations come with a free mobile app that lets you monitor your system’s performance. This can help uncover problems with solar energy production that, if left unchecked, could result in a loss of solar savings. Just about all companies offer this, since many panel, battery and inverter manufacturers provide them for free, but it’s still worth mentioning.

Cost and Financing Options

I’m happy to report that Trinity accepts all of the major solar financing options, including cash purchases, loans, leases and PPAs. This gives you the freedom to pay what you’re comfortable with and maximize your long-term savings if you can afford a higher upfront payment.

Paying in cash is the most beneficial option in the long term because it saves you the most money — an average of over $27,700, based on our research. Keep in mind that those are net savings, so that’s after your system pays for itself. Cash payments also allow you to take the ITC, which provides an average potential value of over $10,000 in Maryland — another huge plus. The only drawback to paying in cash is that you’ll need the entire cost of the system saved before you convert. That’s an average of $33,700 in your area before incentives. As such, cash is the least accessible option.

A solar loan provides some of the benefits that you’d see from a cash purchase, including access to the ITC and eventual panel ownership. The biggest upside is that you’ll only have to save up for a small down payment, making it a much more realistic option for most homeowners. The drawback is that you’ll pay interest on the loan, which adds up to around $5,000 in most cases. That will decrease your lifetime savings, too, which will sit closer to $22,700. This is still outstanding, but it’s lower than what you’d see with a cash purchase.

A lease is a panel rental agreement. You pay a monthly rental fee and get to use the energy your panels produce for free. Most companies will structure leases so that they save you money from month 1, but your savings will usually only add up to around $5,000 over time, making them less beneficial than paying in cash or taking out a loan. Leases also don’t let you take the ITC, and they can make selling your home more difficult if you move before the contract is up. The biggest upside, and what makes leases so appealing, is that they’re very accessible — you won’t have to pay anything upfront in most cases.

PPAs are similar to loans in that you get your panels installed at no upfront cost. The difference is that you buy power from the panels instead of from your utility company. The benefits and drawbacks are similar to those of a lease, but how you pay is a bit different.

Note that Trinity provides better warranty coverage if you go with a loan, lease or PPA. I’m really pleased that Trinity doesn’t incentivize just leases and PPAs like SunRun does — you can still get the benefit of better warranty coverage and greater savings if you use a loan with Trinity.

Trinity Solar Extra Services Offered 

5/5

Trinity also gets a perfect score when it comes to the add-on services it offers. First, it handles roof replacement and repair in-house, making it a one-stop shop for going solar. If you need roof work done before installing panels, you can have Trinity do everything all at once for a smoother transition into clean energy. You don’t have to worry about vetting roofing contractors, and you’ll have a single company to hold responsible if something goes wrong.

Trinity also offers some energy efficiency upgrades, which I love to see. Namely, it can make upgrades to your electrical system to make sure your home can handle the added load of a solar array and batteries. It also offers energy-efficient roofing options as a part of its roof installation.

Trinity can also install EV chargers alongside your panels. Maryland has been relatively slow to adopt EVs, but I expect the adoption rate to continue to rise. Even if it doesn’t, having the option for at-home charging is a big deal for customers who currently drive an EV or plan on buying one in the future.

Finally, Trinity scores full points for offering professional monitoring with its systems. You still get access to see your system performance via the monitoring mobile app, but professional monitoring means you’re not responsible for keeping track of production. Trinity does it for you and can automatically notify you and get a repair underway if your panels unexpectedly dip in performance.

Trinity Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Since EcoWatch prioritizes environmental friendliness, I assess each installer I recommend based on its overall sustainability, which typically includes an assessment of the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices itself, as well as a look at how sustainable the equipment brands it uses are.

Overall, Trinity has had a major positive impact on the environment, as it has installed an incredible 100,000+ solar arrays. Each solar system helps offset CO2 emissions and pollution, so past business alone has made a big difference.

I also found that Trinity installs mostly QCells panels, so I assess that manufacturer for sustainability, as well. QCells ties for first place with several other companies in our solar panel ratings in terms of sustainability. It uses recycled materials during manufacturing, it has a recycling program available to help keep old panels out of landfills and it doesn’t have a history of unsustainable business practices, including racism in the workplace, unsafe working conditions, unfair pay or forced labor. The only reason it loses some points is because it does most of its manufacturing outside of the U.S. Overall, though, I think Trinity and QCells are good options for sustainability. 

Trinity Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

16/25

Going solar is a big investment, especially in areas like Maryland, where the average cost to convert to clean energy is above the national average. That’s why I think it’s super important to consider the quality of the equipment you’re getting installed, as well as the warranty coverage your installer provides. Trinity scores reasonably well here, and it shines in terms of the warranty coverage you get.

I assess solar panel brands based on 18 different factors, but I think 3, in particular, are important considerations in Maryland. Those include the efficiency rating, the max wind load rating and the max snow load rating.

The efficiency rating of a panel tells you how much of the sunlight that hits the surface it can turn into usable energy for your home. Higher efficiency ratings mean greater energy production and, in turn, higher solar savings. The best solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. The QCells panels from Trinity sit just above that at 22.5%, making them a great option in areas like Maryland, where higher ratings help offset above-average rates of energy consumption.

The max wind load rating of a panel tells you how much force your panels can withstand from the underside. In real-world conditions, that tells you what wind speeds your panels can resist. This is crucial in Maryland, especially in areas near the coast, where hurricanes and tropical storms can bring severe winds that put panels with lower ratings at risk. The average wind load rating among tier-one panel brands is 3,520 Pascals (Pa), and QCells panels sit just above that at 3,600 Pa. That makes them a good fit for Maryland solar customers.

The max snow load rating tells you how much force your panels can withstand from the top side. Higher snow load ratings are especially important in the western portion of Maryland, where annual snowfall can be triple the national average. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pa. QCells is the industry leader and the brand best suited to stand up to heavy snowfall in Western Maryland with a snow load rating of 8,100 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel specs are important considerations, but I also think it’s crucial to think about the warranty coverage you get with your system, which includes guarantees for how long your equipment will last and continue to save you money. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to get a complete picture of the coverage provided.

First is the equipment warranty. This comes from the manufacturer but is passed to you through your installer. This protects you from damages related to manufacturer defects, which can save you money if the equipment fails after installation. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and the QCells panels from Trinity provide exactly that.

Second is the performance warranty, which guarantees that your panels will retain a certain percentage of their starting efficiency through the end of the warranty term. This is important in Maryland because it helps ensure long-term performance from your system, which means you can offset your above-average energy consumption for longer and save more money. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee that your panel efficiency will be between 85% and 92% of its starting efficiency at the end of a 25-year warranty term. QCells guarantees 90.58% in that time frame, putting it slightly above average.

Next, I look for labor warranties, also called workmanship warranties. These come directly from your installer in most cases and guarantee that the installation process won’t lead to any damaged equipment. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years. Trinity includes a 10-year workmanship warranty if you buy your system in cash, which is slightly below average. You can get up to a 25-year labor warranty if you use another financing option, though, which is outstanding. I felt I needed to deduct points from Trinity anyway because some coverages are below average, but it’s important to note that the warranty you get is more than double the industry average if you take out a loan or use a lease or PPA to finance your system.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties. These also come from your installer, in most cases, and they guarantee that the roof penetrations made to install your panels won’t leak. This is exceptional coverage to have in Maryland, where the rainfall and snowfall are well above average in most parts of the state. Most installers don’t offer any roof leak coverage, but Trinity guarantees your roof will be leak-free for 10 years if you use a loan, lease or PPA to buy your system, and 5 years if you pay cash. Both are much better than the industry standard of no roof leak guarantee.

Trinity Solar Company Reputation 

19.5/25

Trinity also scores well in our rankings when it comes to its reputation in the local solar market. First, it gets full points in company longevity because it has an impressive 30 years of experience behind it. The solar industry is highly competitive and ever-changing, so a company that’s stay in business for decades proves that it has what it takes to stick around in the future, too. A company with decades of experience like Trinity is more likely to stay in business and keep your warranty coverage intact going forward.

Trinity Solar also uses NABCEP-certified installers, which should do even more to instill confidence in customers. NABCEP certification requires specialized training that’s more intensive than what the State of Maryland requires for solar installers. This means you’re getting a highly-trained professional installing your system, which reduces your risk of running into issues throughout the process.

Trinity is an SEIA member, which means it has financial stake in the local solar industry. This doesn’t suggest a more professional or reliable company, but it does help further establish that your installer will stick around and keep your warranty coverage intact for years to come.

Finally, I look at each installer’s customer reviews on sites like the BBB and TrustPilot to see what real-world customers think. Unfortunately, this is one area Trinity falls a bit short. It has a decent 3.65-star rating on the BBB, but its TrustPilot rating is just 2.8 stars. It’s important to note that all of the reviews on TrustPilot are 1-star reviews, and the score is curved upward because there are only 3 reviews. These unimpressive ratings mean customer service is spotty and disappointing in some cases, which is a shame because the company is otherwise an outstanding option all around.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I go beyond just looking at customer ratings, though, as I think it’s important to see what specific problems a company faces and where it shines in customers’ minds. To that end, I read through dozens of customer reviews for Trinity Solar to get a better idea of the experience you can expect to have.

Many of the positive reviews mention things like systems meeting the customer’s performance expectations, and the company going above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. However, there are also some negative reviews that mention issues with responding to warranty claims, as well as instances of the company’s salespeople misleading customers in terms of the benefits of solar. These are red flags, in my opinion, so I’m disappointed to find that Trinity has these issues.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative Trinity Solar review below to give you an idea of the best and worst you can expect from this company.

“We’ve had Trinity Solar since 2018. As the price for energy increases it just makes sense to source our energy from solar. We have a rate protection for our panels. This is pretty much what sold me. A price guarantee for 25 years. For anyone hesitant about putting solar on their house because they plan on selling in a few years, I’d say not to worry. We did end up selling our first house and the transfer of solar ownership was super easy. They were happy to receive the continued savings and we were happy, too! Having solar increased the value of our home. So win-win.” —Joanna T. via BBB

“They will put their best foot forward to get in the door. I loved them from the start. 5 years later and it is the worst decision I have made in home ownership. It’s all a headache. Leaks, destroyed gutters from snow coming off panels, poor performance of the installed equipment, and awful customer service. Once you are a contracted customer their true colors show. They are a clearly disorganized outfit. You will get conflicting information, the runaround, ignored, and you will be frustrated. They will not follow up on calls or emails. It’s like their mantra is to ignore until the problem goes away. You will exhaust yourself trying to get anything resolved. It’s just not worth it. Don’t make the mistake. They are a hot mess of a company. Do your homework and you will find plenty of better options.” — LJ via TrustPilot

Trinity Solar Customer Service 

5/10

The last part of our solar company review process is the only subjective score in our ratings. I read through dozens of customer reviews and make a call to the company as a secret shopper to assess the company’s ability to provide good customer service.

I had to deduct some points from Trinity in terms of customer service because of the middling customer reviews. Too many people mentioned misleading marketing and sales practices and slow response times to warranty claims for me to believe the issues were one-off problems. I do wish the company would straighten out its sales practices to ensure every customer is fully informed about the benefits and drawbacks of solar. I’d also love to see it responding to warranty claims more quickly, as this is what helps protect the customer’s long-term savings.

My secret shopper call to Trinity was much more positive than some of the customer reviews. The representative was congenial and helpful. They answered questions I had about the process of going solar and were even honest and upfront about solar batteries not providing a financial benefit in Maryland. In my book, this is exactly what an initial call to a company should be like.

Why We Chose Palmetto Solar

The primary reason I picked Palmetto solar is because it accepts cash purchases, loans and leases, but most importantly, it offers customers a lease buyout option after 5 years. That makes going solar with Palmetto super accessible upfront, thanks to the no-money-down requirement, and it also gives you the long-term savings potential you’d enjoy with a standard solar loan. In my opinion, this is the best of both worlds, and I’d love to see more installers offer this in the future.

Palmetto Solar also offers a decent workmanship warranty, as well as a roof leak warranty to help keep your home protected from Maryland’s above-average rainfall and snowfall. If you enroll in Palmetto Protect, the company also guarantees that your system will generate at least 95% of what your initial estimate expects, or the company will pay you the difference. That’s just added peace of mind that’s really nice to have, especially in a high-usage state like Maryland.

I think Palmetto is a great option, in general, but there are some cons to consider, too. Palmetto outsources all installation labor, which is kind of a let down. Additionally, Palmetto doesn’t offer quite as many add-on services as competitors, and its customer ratings aren’t as impressive as some of our top picks.

What I Like About Palmetto Solar

As I mentioned above, Palmetto Solar’s lease-to-buy option is one of the most impressive financing options I’ve seen. It gives you the upfront benefit of a lease — specifically requiring no money down — and the long-term savings you’d get from a loan — an average of around $22,700 in Maryland, based on our research. This alone makes Palmetto a company to consider, in my opinion, especially if you’re looking to go solar on a budget.

Palmetto Solar also uses NABCEP-certified installers, which means more peace of mind for you that your system is being installed properly and professionally. To that same end, Palmetto Solar has 14 years of experience behind it. That kind of longevity gives me confidence that the company will be sticking around for some time, as will the warranty coverage you get from the provider.

What I Don’t Like About Palmetto Solar

One drawback to using Palmetto is that you’re going to get a third-party installer doing the actual work on your home. This isn’t always necessarily a bad thing, but in my opinion, it leads to a higher risk of spotty customer service and delays in the installation process due to miscommunication or company availability. I generally prefer installers that carry out their own labor.

Additionally, I read through dozens of Palmetto Solar reviews and found that the company has some issues with post-installation care, which is a red flag in my book. They don’t seem to be terribly common, but they also aren’t one-off issues, so I consider this a drawback to going solar with Palmetto.

Palmetto Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Palmetto doesn’t have an estimated timeline for solar installations on its website, but I expect that it will take around the industry standard, which is 6 to 8 weeks. It’s possible that going with Palmetto will take a bit longer, as the company does need to coordinate with third-party installers, which can lead to delays.

The process of going solar with Palmetto is exactly what you’d expect from other companies. First, a Palmetto representative will come to your home to assess your roof space and condition, monthly energy consumption and shading on your property. The company’s design team will then design a system that suits your needs and fits on your home, and provide you with a formal estimate. Once you sign off on that, Palmetto will pull permits for your system, install the equipment and then schedule final inspections before turning your system on.

Palmetto Solar Standard Services & Financing 

17/25

Unlike our first two company picks, Palmetto loses quite a few points in our ratings in terms of its standard services offered. It loses some points because it outsources labor to third parties. As I mentioned above, this leaves Palmetto as an intermediary, which can create unnecessary delays and issues with miscommunication as you proceed through the process of going solar, so I generally prefer companies that use in-house installation teams. Outsourcing isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can lead to spotty customer service, as you’ll see in the customer review section later on.

Interestingly, Palmetto doesn’t install solar batteries, which is a pretty standard service in the industry, so it loses some points there, too. I don’t think this is as big of a deal as it would be in many other states because Maryland has one-to-one net metering that eliminates the financial benefit of installing batteries. However, the extreme weather in the area does mean a higher risk of power outages, so the option for backup storage would be nice.

Every installation completed by Palmetto includes access to the Palmetto mobile app, which gives you real-time data on your energy consumption and system production. This is a nice perk to have, as it lets you monitor your system for dips in performance, which could allow you to get necessary repairs underway more quickly. Most companies offer this option through their manufacturing partners, but Palmetto’s is an in-house app that also gives you the freedom to make convenient payments on your system.

Cost and Financing Options

Palmetto accepts cash payments and solar loans, as well as a lease equivalent through its LightReach plan. You should choose your financing option carefully, as it will affect how much you pay upfront, your savings over time and even the solar incentives you can take advantage of.

I recommend a cash purchase if you can make it work. Paying in cash leads to immediate panel ownership, which means you can immediately start recuperating your investment. You should see the fastest panel payback period — an average of 11 years in Maryland — and the highest long-term savings — an average of $27,783 in the state — if you pay in cash. You can also take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of $10,110 in Maryland. The only downside is you’ll have to pay for your entire system upfront, which is unrealistic for many homeowners.

A solar loan is the next best option, in my opinion. You’ll have to pay an average of $5,000 in interest over the life of your loan, which cuts into your savings and brings them down to an average of $22,700. However, you can still take the ITC, and you’ll only have to pay a much more reasonable down payment as opposed to the entire system cost upfront.

Solar leases are appealing because they don’t require any money down, in most cases. You get your panels installed at no cost, and then you agree to pay a monthly rental fee to get access to the power they generate for free. One downside of a lease is that you can’t take the ITC, which means you miss out on an average potential value of over $10,000. You also save far less — around $5,000 total — than you would with a loan or cash payment. PPAs are similar in their pros and cons, but the actual payment structure is a little different. Note that Palmetto doesn’t accept PPAs.

I think it’s important to point out again that Palmetto’s LightReach program is a unique payment option that I haven’t seen from any other installers. You start out with a lease, which means down payment is required, and after year 5, you can buy out the lease to own your panels. This gives you the best of both worlds: no upfront payment, as well as the long-term savings you’d get from panel ownership.

Palmetto Solar Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Palmetto comes up a bit short in terms of the add-on services it makes available to customers, so it lost quite a few points in our ratings, accordingly. First, it doesn’t handle roof replacements or repairs, which means you’ll have to coordinate with a third-party roofer if you need work done before it’s safe to install panels. It would be nice if Palmetto handled roofs, especially since it outsources the labor for solar installation, anyway.

Palmetto also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some solar installers provide services like window, door and insulation upgrades to improve efficiency, as well as products like smart thermostats and smart electrical panels. These perks help you reduce your monthly electricity consumption, which helps you save more money and get the most value out of your solar panels. These services would be especially welcome in a place like Maryland, where most homeowners use more energy per month than is average throughout the country.

Palmetto does install EV chargers, which is a plus. Again, Maryland has been relatively slow to adopt EVs, but the registration rate for new EVs in the state is on the rise, so I expect the demand for at-home charging capability to increase in the future, too. Installing an EV charger at the same time as your panels also means you can apply the ITC to the cost of the charger, too, effectively letting you save up to 30% on the cost. As such, I’m pleased to see Palmetto offering this service.

It also includes free professional monitoring with all of its installations, whether you go with the standard coverage plan or upgrade to Palmetto Protect. Professional monitoring is nice because you have experts checking your system production to identify issues and the potential need for repair, so you don’t have the added responsibility of watching the Palmetto app to track your system’s performance.

Palmetto Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

As a part of our company review process, I look at the sustainability efforts of the installer itself, as well as how sustainable the manufacturers that it works with are.

Palmetto makes charitable donations to Solar Sister, a company dedicated to bringing solar capabilities to developing countries. It also has handled thousands of installations that have had a major impact on the environment. Specifically, the company’s work has helped offset CO2 emissions equivalent to burning 3.7 billion pounds of coal.

On the product side, Palmetto installs QCells and REC panels, both of which tie for first place with a few other tier-one brands in our ratings for company sustainability. Both companies use recycled materials in their production processes and have end-of-life recycling programs for old panels, and neither has a history of ethically unsustainable business practices, like unfair wages, racism in the workplace or forced labor.

Palmetto Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17.9/25

In addition to the sustainability of a company’s products, I also look at the overall quality and reliability of the panels and other components each installer works with. I compare panels based on 18 metrics, but I think 3 of those are particularly important in Maryland. Those include the panel efficiency, the max wind load rating and the max snow load rating.

The panel efficiency is expressed as a percentage and tells you how much of the sunlight that hits the panel it will actually be able to convert into electricity for your home. Panels with higher efficiency ratings tend to be a bit more expensive, but they also usually save you more money over time since they offset more of your electric bill. Higher ratings are especially useful Maryland because of the above-average rate of consumption in the area. The best solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher, and both brands from Palmetto sit above that, making them good options for Marylanders.

The wind load rating is a measurement of how much force your panels can withstand from wind on the underside without getting damaged. Wind load rating is important to consider in Maryland because of the frequency of intense thunderstorms, hurricanes and tropical storms that threaten the area. The average wind load rating among tier-one panels is around 3,520 Pascals (Pa). Both REC and QCells sit above the average at 4,000 and 3,600 Pa, respectively. I’d say REC is a slightly better option for residents on the coast who are more prone to those severe winds.

The snow load rating tells you how much force your panels can withstand from the top from snow accumulation. If you live on the coast, you more or less don’t have to worry about this at all, but if you live in the mountains to the west and see 100 inches of snow a year, this should be one of your top considerations. The average snow load rating is around 5,870 Pa for tier-one panels. REC and QCells are actually the industry leaders when it comes to snow load ratings, with ratings of 7,000 and 8,100 Pa, respectively. I think both options are more than adequate even for customers in Western Maryland.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel specifications are important things to consider, but what I think is even more crucial are the guarantees and warranties you get to protect your system. Warranty coverage is what will help guarantee long-term performance and savings, so I look at 4 types of solar warranties to get a complete picture of the protection you’re getting.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This comes from the panel manufacturer and is passed to you via your installer. It insulates you from out-of-pocket costs that result from damages that stem from manufacturer defects. Most tier-one manufacturers include a 25-year equipment warranty with their panels, and that’s precisely what you get from the two manufacturers that Palmetto works with.

Second, I look at the performance or efficiency warranty. This coverage tells you the maximum amount of efficiency your panels will lose over time, so it guarantees long-term performance. A good efficiency warranty is important in Maryland because residents use more electricity than most U.S. residents, so long-term performance will help ensure your panels can keep up with your energy demands for decades to come. The typical efficiency warranty lasts for 25 years and guarantees that between 85% and 92% of the beginning efficiency will remain after that time. QCells guarantees 90.58%, and REC guarantees 92%. Both fall on the high end of the average, with REC being a slightly better choice for long-term performance and savings.

Next, I look at the labor warranty. This comes directly from your installer, in most cases, and it covers issues that stem from faulty installation. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and Palmetto falls a bit short of that with a 10-year workmanship warranty. This is still good, but the company does lose a few points for below-average coverage.

Finally, I look for roof leak coverage, which ensures your roof penetrations won’t leak and lead to water damage for the length of the warranty coverage. Most installers don’t offer a roof leak warranty, so I’m happy to report that Palmetto covers roof leaks for 5 years. This provides more peace of mind in Maryland than it would in most other states because just about every area in Maryland sees above-average rainfall or above-average snowfall, increasing the risk of leaking.

Palmetto Solar Company Reputation

21.5/25

Palmetto has a great reputation in the local solar industry, and it loses just a few points in our ratings for reputation. First, it gets full points for its time in the industry. It was founded in 2010, so it has nearly 15 years of experience and success behind it. Longevity in the industry doesn’t always prove future success, but it does suggest that the company is able to adapt to the ever-changing industry and will remain in business for the long-term. Importantly, that means it will keep your warranty coverage intact, which is something that you’re less likely to get from a newer, inexperienced installer.

Palmetto outsources the installation labor to third parties, but it only uses NABCEP-certified installers to get the work done. This certification requires specialized training, which means you can always be sure the installation will be done by a true professional, reducing the risk of issues.

Palmetto is also an SEIA member, which suggests a financial commitment to the local solar industry. Again, this doesn’t prove anything, but it does suggest that the company is successful and will stick around for the long term, which means your warranty coverage will, too.

Finally, I look at each company’s customer ratings on sites like the BBB and TrustPilot. Palmetto has a 3.25-star review on the BBB, and while it’s an accredited business, it doesn’t have a BBB score. The customer ratings there are just slightly above average, and they’re a bit more impressive on TrustPilot, where the company maintains a 3.7-star customer rating. I should note that Palmetto has just 1 review on TrustPilot, and it’s a 5-star review. The total score is scaled downward to 3.7 stars due to a lack of reviews.

We’ll take a look at specific reviews and complaints for Palmetto Solar in the next section, but overall, the company has a positive reputation in the industry.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

The actual customer reviews are where some companies’ reputations fall apart, and I do have to say that I’m not thrilled with some of the negative comments about Palmetto. I read through dozens of customer reviews and see a history of misleading marketing and sales practices, as well as a tendency for the company to be slow to respond to warranty claims. These are two of the red flags I look for in installers, so it’s a shame that they’re present in Palmetto Solar reviews. On the other hand, positive comments mention honest salesmanship, accurate production estimates compared to real-life system performance and overall positive customer experiences. It seems like your experience will depend on the local branch and the third-party installer assigned to your solar project.

Below, I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative customer review to give you a sense of the best- and worst-case scenarios you can expect when going solar with Palmetto.

“The system has now been operating for about two weeks. The people at Palmetto are great. They stay in contact during the process and make sure that the information required by the energy company is provided in a timely manner.” — Mark P. via BBB

“I liked solar until my inverter went after just 35 months. Supposedly Palmetto was sending someone over. They never showed nor called. After no one called me after the no show, I called Palmetto. They said they didn’t have a record of the service call!?! I tried to set up a service call in a 10 day stretch of vacation. I received an email confirming the appointment on a day outside of that window and told the company that wasn’t going to work. Now I have nothing before October. Still missed the 2nd half of summer and paying on panels. No resolution or working panels in sight. My advice is to stay away from this and just conserve electricity.” — David S. via BBB

Palmetto Solar Customer Service 

8/10

The last part of our solar company review process involves a subjective assessment of the provider’s customer service, and this is the only portion that’s not based on hard data. First, I read through customer reviews to see what the company does well and where it could improve, and then I call the company as a secret shopper to gauge the upfront customer service.

In terms of the customer reviews, I already mentioned that there have been some instances of misleading marketing — like misrepresenting estimated system production, solar savings or the benefits of the ITC — as well as some poor customer service after the installation is completed. I deducted 2 points from Palmetto for these issues, and I only didn’t deduct more because most of its reviews are positive.

My secret shopper call was a pleasant one, so I gave Palmetto full points in that area. The representative was helpful and friendly, and they were knowledgeable about Palmetto’s services and even the benefits of different services in Maryland — specifically, they explained that solar batteries aren’t financially beneficial in the state, which is a huge plus in my book.

Why We Chose Lumina Solar

We picked Lumina Solar primarily because it provides outstanding customer service, as evidenced by its 4.9-star customer review score on Google Reviews. Even more impressive is that it maintains that score even with over 650 reviews, which means the large majority of customers are pleased with the service they receive from this installer.

Lumina Solar also has a stellar reputation in the local solar industry, has a wide range of products and services available and accepts all of the primary solar financing options to help keep renewable energy as accessible as possible. Couple all of that with the fact that it works with high-quality equipment brands, and you’ve got a solar installer that’s all but guaranteed to provide service and system longevity you’re thrilled with.

Lumina Solar is a great option, but there are some minor downsides to consider, too. Namely, it offers just a 10-year workmanship warranty, which is shorter than the industry average, and it doesn’t provide a roof leak warranty. As such, you get a bit less peace of mind than you’d get from some other installers with superior warranty coverage.

What I Like About Lumina Solar

There are a lot of positive things I can say about Lumina Solar. It scores perfectly in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options, and it provides most of the add-on services we look for in a solar installer. More importantly, in my opinion, the company seems to provide unparalleled customer service before, during and after the installation, so you’re very likely to be pleased with the attention you get and the professionalism of the staff.

Lumina Solar also has a great reputation along with its stellar customer service, and together, I think these things suggest a high-quality installation that will be problem-free. It uses NABCEP-certified installers that are part of the company’s in-house installation team, it has 6 years of experience behind it and it installs high-quality panels from tier-one manufacturers that score highly in our solar panel review standards.

What I Don’t Like About Lumina Solar

One downside to choosing Lumina is that you don’t get a roof leak warranty. This is kind of a big deal in Maryland because of the above-average rainfall and snowfall that make roof leaks more of a risk. I do think the company’s expertise and certifications somewhat make up for the lack of coverage and should lead to an issue-free system, but the guarantee would still be nice to have.

Additionally, Lumina Solar doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades to complement its panels and batteries, so if you’re looking for a highly customizable system that includes upgrades to your home to reduce your energy consumption, too, Lumina probably isn’t the best company for you.

Lumina Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Lumina Solar doesn’t include an estimated timeline for its installations, but I expect that it would be around the industry average, which is 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish.

The process you’ll see from Lumina will be about what you’d get from any other installer. First, a Lumina representative will assess your home and energy consumption. They will send that information to the design team, which will design a system to meet your needs. Once you sign off on the design, Lumina will pull permits for your system and then schedule your installation. The actual installation should only take a day or two, after which Lumina will schedule final inspections before activating your system.

Lumina Solar Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Lumina gets perfect scores in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options. First, it gets full points for using in-house installation teams. As I mentioned earlier, outsourcing labor isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it opens the door for spotty customer service and some issues with communication and delays, so I generally prefer companies like Lumina that have in-house installers.

Lumina installs solar batteries alongside its panels, which I’m also a fan of. Solar batteries are more of a luxury than a necessity in Maryland because the state has such favorable net metering laws. That means batteries won’t save you any additional money, but they are nice to have for peace of mind, especially since the state sees some extreme weather that increases the risk of power outages. I’m glad to see Lumina offering batteries, but note that you don’t need them to maximize your solar savings in Maryland.

All Lumina installations also come with free access to a mobile app for self-monitoring. You can use that to keep track of your system’s performance and your energy consumption to identify potential issues with your panels. You can use that information to get repairs underway more quickly to minimize the negative effects on your long-term savings. Most companies offer this, as it typically comes from the panel or inverter manufacturers anyway, but it’s still worth mentioning, as it’s a nice option to have.

Cost and Financing Options

I’m also happy to report that Lumina accepts cash purchases, solar loans and PPAs. You should choose your option carefully, as the route you go will affect how much you’ll have to pay upfront and how much you’ll save over time.

With a cash purchase, you’re responsible for your entire system cost upfront, making it, by far, the least accessible option. In Maryland, that means paying an average of $33,700 all at once, which is unrealistic for most homeowners. Paying in cash lets you take the ITC, so you could effectively get around $10,100 back if you owe enough in income taxes, but it’s still a huge outlay of cash. However, cash payments lead to immediate panel ownership, which means you’ll see the highest net savings possible — an average of $27,783 in Maryland.

A solar loan is the next best option, in my opinion. You’ll save around $5,000 less than with a cash purchase because of the interest on the loan, but you get the benefit of paying just a small down payment rather than the full cost of the system. This makes solar loans significantly more accessible than cash payments. You also can still take the ITC and other local solar incentives in Maryland.

A lease is like a rental agreement for your panels, and in exchange for a monthly rental fee, you get to use the electricity your panels generate for free to offset your electric bills. PPAs are similar, but instead of a monthly fee, you agree to buy electricity from your panel installer rather than your electric company, usually at a discounted rate. Leases and PPAs are the most accessible because you don’t pay anything upfront, but they also save far less than paying in cash or loans — an average of around $5,000. You also will miss out on the average potential value of around $10,100, as you can’t take the ITC if you use these options.

Note that Lumina accepts PPAs but not leases. This isn’t a drawback, really, as these options are similar, and I am happy to see Lumina keeping solar accessible by accepting at least one no-money-down option.

Lumina Solar Extra Services Offered 

4/5

Lumina also scores better than most other providers when it comes to the add-on services and products it offers. First off, it does roof work, which is a really nice option to have. You have to make sure your roof is in good condition before going solar, otherwise you’ll likely have to pay for removal and replacement services shortly after installing them in the first place, which is a big expense. Going with a company like Lumina makes the process a bit easier because you can get everything done at once and have a single company to hold responsible.

Lumina loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers provide access to things like window, door and insulation replacement, HVAC upgrades and smart thermostat installations. These would be particularly welcome options in Maryland, given the above-average rate of energy consumption, so it’s kind of a let down that Lumina doesn’t offer any.

It does, however, install EV chargers. EVs aren’t as popular in Maryland as they are in many other states, but the adoption rate is increasing, so I expect more and more solar customers will want to couple their panels with an at-home charger. I like that Lumina already offers these, as it helps customers who drive EVs get more value from their panels, and it helps others future-proof their systems.

Finally, Lumina offers professional monitoring services for its systems. This takes the responsibility of keeping track of your system’s performance off of you and makes identifying production issues a bit more convenient. You still get the self-monitoring app, but you won’t have to do any of the work yourself to identify production issues.

Lumina Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Lumina doesn’t have any information on its website about its own sustainability efforts, aside from the fact that it helps customers do right by the environment by converting to clean energy. As such, I instead reviewed how sustainable the panel brands it offers are. Lumina installs panels from Silfab, Canadian Solar and REC, all 3 of which tie with a few other top-tier brands in terms of sustainability.

These 3 companies all use recycled materials during production to reduce strain on the environment, they have recycling programs available for old panels to keep them out of landfills and none of them have a documented history of unsustainable business practices, like racism in the workplace, unfair wages or forced labor. They just lose a few points in our ratings because they’re all primarily manufactured outside of the U.S., but this is typical in the industry.

Lumina Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17.8/25

In addition to assessing how sustainable the panel brands offered are, I also gauge their overall performance, quality and reliability, specifically as they pertain to the needs of Maryland residents. I look at 18 panel specifications to compare brands, but I think 3 of those are especially important to consider in your area. Those include the panel efficiency, the max wind load and the max snow load.

The panel efficiency tells you how efficiently your panels can convert available sunlight into usable energy for your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity your panels will generate, and the better chance you have at offsetting your electric bills. In Maryland, this is particularly helpful because most homeowners consume above-average amounts of energy per month. The gold standard efficiency rating is a panel that sits at or above 22% efficiency. REC and QCells panels from Lumina both top that at 22.6% and 22.5%, respectively, and Silfab sits below that at 21.4%. As such, REC and QCells are better options from an efficiency standpoint.

The max wind load rating of a panel tells you how much force from underneath it can withstand from strong winds before getting damaged. This is crucial in Maryland, especially near the coast, because hurricanes and tropical storms can threaten panels with a lower wind load rating. The average wind load rating among tier-one panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa), and all of the brands from Lumina top that. QCells panels are slightly more likely to sustain damage in the area’s extreme weather, as they have a rating of 3,600 Pa, just above the average. REC and Silfab are well above the average at 4,000 and 5,400 Pa, respectively. Silfab is the best of the bunch for coastal residents who see more extreme winds.

The snow load rating of a panel tells you the force it can sustain from the topside, which accounts for snow accumulation on the panels. This is more important for residents in the western parts of the state that see snowfall that’s well in excess of the national average — nearly 3 times the average in some areas. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pa. Silfab sits below this at 5,400 Pa, making it the worst of the 3 for residents in the western mountains of Maryland. QCells and REC are the industry leaders when it comes to snow load ratings, with ratings of 8,100 and 7,000 Pa, respectively.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also look at 4 types of solar warranties to see what kind of guarantees you get from an installer. Going solar is expensive, and these coverages help ensure your system continues to serve you for many years to come.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This comes from the manufacturer and protects you from system damages related to manufacturer defects. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year equipment warranty, and all 3 of the brands Lumina works with meet that standard.

Second, I look for performance warranties, which tell you how quickly your panels will lose efficiency. Slower degradation rates are always superior but are especially important in areas with above-average energy consumption, like Maryland, as they help maximize solar savings over the long term. Most tier-one brands guarantee that between 85% and 92% of your system’s starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. REC is the best of the 3 options from Lumina in this regard, guaranteeing the full 92%. Silfab is in the middle, guaranteeing 90.8%, and QCells is a close third with 90.58% efficiency remaining after 25 years. Silfab actually has a 30-year performance warranty, too, so you’re guaranteed production for even longer than most other brands.

Third, I look at the labor warranty, also called the workmanship warranty. This comes from your installer in most cases, and it protects you from system damages stemming from faulty installation. The typical labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and Lumina is just below that at 10 years. I do think Lumina’s experience and NABCEP certification helps avoid these issues, but I’d still prefer to see guaranteed coverage for related problems lasting a bit longer.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which guarantee that your roof won’t leak as a result of going solar. These are really nice to have in areas that see above-average precipitation, like Maryland, and they provide the ultimate peace of mind. Unfortunately, Lumina doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which is typical in the solar industry.

Lumina Solar Company Reputation 

21.5/25

As I mentioned earlier, Lumina has maintained a stellar reputation in the local solar industry, and it scores very well in our company ratings, accordingly. First, it has 6 years of experience. I look at how long each company has been operating, as longevity in such a competitive and volatile industry suggests an ability to stick around in the future and continue honoring the warranty coverage it provides. I prefer to see at least a decade of experience, but 6 years is still longer than many of the companies I see pop up and go out of business shortly thereafter.

Lumina also uses an in-house team of installers that hold NABCEP certification. This means they receive more specialized training than the State of Maryland requires, reducing the risk of mistakes that could otherwise lead to a loss of savings and even property damage.

The company doesn’t maintain SEIA membership, which does lead to a loss of a point in terms of company reputation. Membership shows a company’s willingness to invest in the local solar market, and financial commitment to the industry often predicts a company’s ability to stick around for the long term.

Finally, I look at customer ratings on sites like the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews. Lumina has an A+ rating on the BBB, although it doesn’t have any customer reviews there or on TrustPilot. Instead, I turned to Google Reviews, where Lumina maintains an incredible 4.9-star review despite having over 650 reviews. This is proof that the company provides great customer service and puts customers first. For comparison, the average score for solar installers is between 2 and 3 stars, so Lumina really stands apart when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I like to read through customer reviews in addition to looking at the cumulative scores, as comments from past customers typically provide better insight into what you can expect from an installer. Most of the positive reviews for Lumina mention professional installers, honest salespeople and a willingness to carry out fixes quickly for items and issues under warranty. This is exactly what I like to see from a company. There are a handful of negative reviews, most of which are related to delays when it came to repairs under warranty, but it’s unclear if the delays were caused by Lumina or the manufacturer, as in many cases, the installer must wait for parts, replacements or approvals from the manufacturer before addressing warranty claims.

I’ll include a positive and negative Lumina Solar review below to help paint a picture of the best and worst you might receive from this provider.

“My husband and I are very pleased with Lumina Solar.  Unlike some of the other companies, they actually come to your house for an evaluation before developing the project plan.  And they do the installation themselves, rather than subcontracting it.  Everyone we dealt with was knowledgeable, professional, and helpful.  I’d definitely recommend them to anyone considering solar.” — Lynn L. via Google Reviews

“One year in and 3/4 of our microinverters failed, of course in one of the major energy producing months (August) coupled with the highest HVAC use month.  Lumina customer care has failed to respond in an appropriate time.  It’s been 26 days since my solar stopped producing and it will likely be another 2-3 weeks until they are fixed.  Good luck getting better service from the customer care team.  From what I’ve recently read in reviews, this long turnaround time isn’t that rare.” — N.H. via Google Reviews

Lumina Solar Customer Service 

10/10

Finally, I assign a subjective score to each provider based on the customer service I believe you’re likely to get. I develop this score by reading through customer reviews to see what customers like about the company and where they believe the installer could stand to improve. I also called Lumina as a secret shopper to see what its initial customer service was like.

Based on the reviews I read, I’d say there’s a slight chance of experiencing delays in getting warranty claims taken care of, but in most cases, you’re likely to get prompt responses, honest and professional representatives and good response times from Lumina. The large majority of the company’s reviews are positive, so I don’t feel comfortable deducting any points for what seem like some one-off issues with delays in warranty claim responses.

My call with Lumina was also pleasant. The representative took some time to explain the process and even noted that solar batteries aren’t necessary in Maryland, which is a huge plus in my book. They also reviewed the different financing options and were honest about the pros and cons of each, so overall, I’m quite impressed with this provider and would be comfortable using them for my own solar array.

Why We Chose Edge Energy

The thing I like the most about Edge Energy is the wealth of standard and add-on options it offers. Those include the typical panels and batteries, but it also installs EV chargers, offers energy audits, provides roofing replacements and repairs, carries out HVAC efficiency upgrades, installs and upgrades electrical components and even handles painting and drywall work. Edge Energy is the best option for you if you’re looking to customize your system or make improvements to your home’s efficiency to get the most out of your system.

Unsurprisingly, Edge Energy gets perfect marks in our ratings when it comes to standard services and financing options, too. It also has a great reputation in the local solar market, receives excellent customer ratings across multiple sites and has a long company history that suggests it will be around for quite some time, as will its warranty protection.

There are some drawbacks to going with Edge Energy, too, though. The company has a workmanship warranty that’s slightly below the industry average — 10 years as opposed to the typical 12 years — and it doesn’t offer any roof leak warranty, which can be a significant drawback in Maryland, given the above-average precipitation in the state.

What I Like About Edge Energy

As I mentioned above, my favorite thing about Edge Energy is the large number of services it offers related to solar and home energy efficiency. The efficiency boosts you can get from this installer are especially helpful in areas where energy consumption is already above average, as it is in Maryland.

I also love that Edge accepts a variety of financing options, including the more beneficial cash purchases and solar loans, as well as no-money-down options like solar leases. This helps keep solar as accessible as possible, while also giving you the freedom to maximize your long-term savings.

What I Don’t Like About Edge Energy

I think the biggest drawback to choosing Edge Energy is that you get a slightly below-average labor warranty and no roof leak guarantee. The roof leak coverage would be especially nice since Maryland sees above-average rainfall and snowfall in areas that increase the risk of leaks and leak-related damages.

I should also mention that, while Edge Energy has over a decade of experience and positive customer reviews that instill confidence in customers, it doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers. In my opinion, getting its in-house team of installers certified would really step up the company’s rating and provide even more confidence to its patrons.

Edge Energy Installation Process and Timeline

Edge Energy doesn’t have an estimated installation timeline available on its site. However, I would guess that you’d have to wait the typical 6 to 8 weeks from your initial inspection to the time your system starts generating power for your home. This is standard in the industry, and the customer reviews for Edge Energy don’t have specific complaints about the installation taking longer than expected, so I think it’s accurate for Edge, too.

The process is similar to what most other installers will provide. You’ll have an in-person inspection and energy consultation with a n Edge representative. They’ll get information about your property, which they’ll then send to the design team to design a system that suits your home and your needs. Once you approve the proposed system design, Edge Energy representatives will pull permits for all the work, install everything when they’re approved and then schedule any final inspections that are necessary before activating your system.

Edge Energy Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Edge Energy gets perfect marks in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options. First and foremost, it gets maximum points for its installation team because it uses in-house installers rather than outsourcing to third-party companies. In-house installation teams aren’t always better, but I do find that they’re more likely to lead to a positive customer experience and a lower risk of system problems and miscommunications throughout the installation process.

Edge Energy offers solar batteries, which I like to see even though I don’t recommend them for most homeowners in Maryland. The state has an excellent net metering policy, which effectively lets you use your utility company as a battery, except during power outages. Batteries are financially beneficial in areas that don’t have such a good NEM program. However, given the risk of extreme weather in Maryland that makes power outages more common, I am still happy to see Edge offering batteries for emergency backup power.

Every installation from Edge Energy also comes with a monitoring app that lets you keep track of your system’s performance and your overall energy consumption. Not only can you use that information to use electricity more effectively and reduce your energy bills, but you can also use it to identify production issues with your panels and get repairs underway sooner to protect your solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

Edge Energy accepts cash purchases, as well as solar loans and leases through its financing partner, GreenSky. The option you choose will dictate your upfront costs and savings, so make sure you understand how each one functions and how they will benefit you.

Paying in cash is the most beneficial way to pay for your solar array, as you’ll see the highest possible savings in the long run — an average of over $27,700, based on our research. You will also get access to the federal ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $10,100 in your area. The only downside to paying cash is how expensive it is upfront, as you’ll need to have saved the entire cost of your system to move forward. This makes it the least accessible option.

A solar loan is much more realistic because you’ll only have to pay a small down payment, which far more homeowners can afford. You still get access to the ITC, although your long-term savings will be hindered a bit because of the interest you’ll pay. You can reasonably expect the interest to increase your all-in system costs by about $5,000, which means you lose that much in your net savings.

A leases is an arrangement where you pay nothing upfront and instead agree to pay a monthly panel rental fee for your panels. In exchange, you get to use the energy they produce to enjoy savings on your electric bills. PPAs are similar in that you pay nothing upfront, but instead of paying a monthly fee, you buy power — usually at a reduced rate — from your solar company instead of fro your electric company. Edge Energy doesn’t accept PPAs, but it does have leases available if you know you want a no-money down option.

Leases and PPAs don’t let you take advantage of the ITC, so you miss out on a potential value of around $10,100. They also save you much less in the long run, typically around $5,000 total, less than a quarter of what you’d save with a loan, and less than a fifth of what you’d save if you paid in cash.

Edge Energy Extra Services Offered 

5/5

As Edge Energy is our pick for the best solar installer in Maryland for system customization, it probably comes as no surprise that it gets perfect marks in our rating section for extra services offered.

First off, it handles roof replacement and repairs, which makes it a one-stop shop for going solar. If you need roof work done before you install panels, Edge Energy can tackle that in-house, making it more convenient to get both done at once. You get a separate warranty for your roof, but both warranties come from a single company, which means you have 1 entity to hold responsible if anything goes wrong.

Edge Energy also installs EV chargers, which are a nice touch for homeowners who have an EV or plan to get one in the future. At-home charging makes owning an EV far more convenient, and it also lets you save on charging your car, as you can pull power directly from your panels, effectively charging your car for free. Being able to install EV chargers alongside your panels means you can apply the ITC to everything, basically saving up to 30% on the cost of the charger.

Edge Energy really stands out from other companies in its wealth of other add-on options, including energy efficiency upgrades. It handles home electrification, HVAC upgrades, air duct sealing and upgrades, energy audits, insulation replacement, solar thermal systems, outdoor lighting, microgrid setups and even home renovation work, including painting and drywall. That makes Edge Energy one of the best companies to go solar with if you want or need other work done just about anywhere in or on your home.

Finally, Edge Energy offers professional monitoring for the solar arrays it installs. This takes the responsibility of identifying production issues off of you and puts it in the hands of professionals. You can sit back, relax and rest assured that Edge will ensure your panels continue producing as expected for years to come.

Edge Energy Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar is one of the best things you can do for the environment as a homeowner. Installing panels on your roof means trading energy created by burning fossil fuels for clean energy from the sun. That alone will reduce your carbon footprint, but you can make an even bigger difference by choosing an installer and a manufacturer that prioritizes sustainability, too.

I could absolutely argue that Edge Energy has a greater overall impact on the environment than most other installers, largely because it offers so many opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency. It has also been named an ENERGY STAR contractor of th year 6 times, which is also a testament to its commitment to clean energy and efficiency.

In terms of panel brands, Edge Energy exclusively works with Maxeon, one of the leading tier-one panel brands. Maxeon panels tie for first with a few other brands when it comes to the sustainability rating in our solar panel rankings. Maxeon uses recycled materials in its products, it has an end-of-life recycling program available for old panels to keep them from ending up in landfills and the company doesn’t have a history of unsustainable business practices, like unfair wages, forced labor, child labor, racism in the workplace and unsafe working conditions. The only area Maxeon loses points in our ratings for sustainability is their manufacturing location, as most of the production is down outside of the U.S.

Edge Energy Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18/25

One area where Edge Energy falls a bit short compared to some of our other top picks is warranty coverage, although the equipment reliability, in general, is second to none. I compare panel brands based on 18 metrics, but I think 3, in particular, are crucial considerations if you’re going solar in Maryland. Those are the panel efficiency, the wind load rating and the snow load rating.

A panel’s efficiency level tells you what percentage of the sunlight that hits your panels they will be able to convert into electricity for your home. High-efficiency panels are important in Maryland because of the above-average energy consumption in the state. High-efficiency panels are more likely to offset your high rate of consumption, ultimately savings you more money over time. The best solar panel brands have a starting efficiency of 22% or higher, and the Maxeon panels you can get from Edge Energy have an industry-leading rating of 24.2% — the best available.

The max wind load rating tells you how much force your panels can resist from the underside, which, in real-world conditions, dictates what wind speeds they can resist. This is an important factor in Maryland because the state is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms that can bring extreme winds. I think it’s an especially crucial consideration for residents who live near the coast and are more prone to extreme winds. The average wind load rating among tier-one panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa). The Maxeon panels from Edge sit well above that with an industry-leading 5,400 Pa, making them one of the best options for standing up to intense winds.

The max snow load rating of a panel tells you how much force your panels can withstand from the top, which tells you how reliable they will be in areas that see heavy snow accumulation. Some parts of Maryland, particularly the western portions, see up to 3 times the national average snowfall, making this an important panel spec to consider. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is around 5.870 Pascals. The Maxeon panels from Edge Energy sit just below that at 5,400 Pa. Still, these panels should stand up well to pretty heavy snow accumulation, making it a solid option throughout most of the state.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also look at 4 types of solar warranties to gauge how much protection you’re getting on your investment.

First, I look at equipment warranties, which are passed through your installer from your panel manufacturer. These protect you from manufacturer defects and related issues. The standard equipment warranty lasts for 25 years, and the Maxeon panels you get from Edge are one of the few brands that go beyond that. Maxeon includes a 40-year equipment warranty with all of its systems.

Second, I look at efficiency warranties, also called performance warranties. These guarantee a certain level of performance from your system by guaranteeing that your panels won’t lose more than the stated amount of efficiency over the warranty term. Better efficiency warranties are especially helpful in Maryland for long-term savings despite the above-average energy consumption rate in the area. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee that between 85% and 92% of your panels’ efficiency will remain after 25 years of use. Maxeon guarantees the full 92%, making it the best in the industry for long-term reliability, and it also includes an unmatched 40-year production warranty for even greater peace of mind that your panels will continue serving you.

Next, I look at the performance warranty, which also comes from your manufacturer. This dictates how quickly your panels will lose efficiency when exposed to real-world conditions. The slower your panel’s degradation rate, the more your panels will save you over time, especially in an area like Maryland, where consumption rates are typically above average. Most tier-one panel brands guarantee that your panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years. The Maxeon panels available from Edge Energy are some of the best in the industry in terms of degradation rate. They guarantee the full 92% after 25 years and actually come with a linear performance warranty that lasts for 40 years. The longest I’ve seen from any other company is 30 years, so this is outstanding.

Third, I look for workmanship warranties, which come from your installer and cover the installation labor. A longer workmanship warranty is a good way to secure greater peace of mind that your system will continue working as intended, and it helps ensure your installer is a professional and experienced one. The average workmanship warranty is around 12 years. Unfortunately, Edge only offers a 10-year labor warranty, so its coverage is slightly below the industry average.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which ensure your roof penetrations won’t leak for the length of the coverage. These are especially beneficial for providing peace of mind in Maryland because most of the state either sees above-average rainfall or above-average snowfall that increases the risk of roof leaks. Most companies don’t offer roof leak coverage, and Edge Energy is one such company.

Edge Energy Company Reputation 

21.5/25

Edge Energy has a great company reputation, so it scores well in our ratings accordingly. The company was founded in 2006, which I think is a big deal. I see a lot of companies pop up to take advantage of the growing demand for solar, only to go out of business a few years later, taking your warranty coverage with them. A company like Edge Energy that has 18 years of experience and success behind it is much less likely to go out of business unexpectedly, so I think you get some added peace of mind that your installer and your warranty coverage are here to stay when you choose Edge.

The company does lose some points in our ratings because it doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers. NABCEP certification shows that your installer has received specialized training for installing photovoltaic (PV) equipment, whereas the State of Maryland only requires that your installer holds a license. That added training is a good way to ensure you don’t run into any issues with the installation that could lead to system damage or failed inspections and delays in getting your system activated.

Edge Energy also isn’t an SEIA member, so it loses a few more points. Membership shows that a company has a financial commitment to the local solar industry, so it’s another way of suggesting that the installer is here to stay, along with your warranty protection.

Edge gets full points in our ratings for maintaining an A+ rating on the BBB, and although it doesn’t have any reviews posted to the BBB or TrustPilot, it does maintain an incredible 4.8-star review on Google Reviews, despite having more than 200 reviews posted. The overwhelmingly positive customer reviews suggest that you’ll almost certainly have a positive experience if you choose Edge Energy.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to looking at aggregate customer review scores, I like to read through a few dozen positive and negative reviews to figure out what specifically the company does well and where it could stand to improve. Most of the positive reviews for Edge Energy mention professional and honest salespeople, timely installations and fast responses to warranty claims, which I love to see in an installer. There are a handful of negative reviews that suggest the company struggles with good follow up from time to time, but thankfully, these seem like one-off issues that aren’t part of a bigger problem.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to give you an idea of what you can expect from this provider.

“I worked with Mr. Joe Becker, Solar Pro, to accomplish the installation of solar power at my house in Bel Air, MD.  Joe deserves an award for his ability to educate me on the entire process as well as answering my numerous questions.  This installation was critical for me because it is my brother’s house and I handle all the financial and operational issues related to his day-to-day life.  I did not want to do anything that would unknowingly negatively affect his life and Joe made sure I was knowledgeable every step of the way.  And, helping us with the final step of activating the system was Jody Solell, Solar and Storage Project Manager who provided detailed, accurate, easy to follow instructions With Pictures in response to our email on Saturday, May 11, when we could not activate the system.  Thank you, Jody, for helping us get the system up and running on a Saturday. Individuals who provide this level of expertise and service deserve recognition.” — For S. via Google Reviews

“Cannot provide a detailed itemized invoice to explain the balance due. We discussed solar panels and had them picked out and ready to go, then at the last minute, they changed the panels because they were “not available”. We agreed on the new panels and then they tried to force a finance offer that benefits them but did not match what they offered prior. I refused that offer and when I stated I was going to just cancel everything, They offered a financial loan through SunPower that does match their offer. They then delayed the work by 3 months and refused to do the MD rebate applications they stated would be done by them. I had to do it myself. This required information to be provided by Edge Energy such as a detailed Itemized invoice for the work. 4 months after the work was completed, I still have not received a detailed itemized invoice yet have repeatedly asked in person, on the phone and in email numerous time. This is not legal. Avoid their head ache. They are clearly trying to hide fraudulent charges.” — Lemahtor via Google Reviews

Edge Energy Customer Service 

10/10

 The last part of our solar company review process involves an assessment of the company’s customer service. Based on the dozens of reviews I read — including all of the negative reviews — I’d be comfortable using this company for my own home and also have no qualms with recommending Edge to others. It’s clear that the company prioritizes customer service and satisfaction, and while there are some problems with communication, they seem to be isolated issues. Most importantly, the company doesn’t have any of the major red flags I look for in providers, like dishonest salesmanship or a refusal to carry out warranty fixes.

I also called Edge Energy as a secret shopper and was pleased by how friendly and helpful the representative was. They were honest about batteries not being financially beneficial in Maryland, which I always appreciate, and they stayed on the phone for several minutes answering questions I had and making recommendations for other services that could help boost my home’s efficiency. All in all, I believe you’re very likely to get above-average customer service if you go solar with Edge Energy.