15 Best Solar Companies in Chillum, MD (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Chillum based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Chillum, MD
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Chillum homeowner saves $1,343/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Chillum

When you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in Chillum, sorting through all the options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic perks. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Chillum has a good amount of solar growth, so many of the best solar companies in the nation have set up shop there to help residents embrace renewable energy.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the top Chillum solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's solar energy needs. We suggest shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To receive free quotes from the best solar panel companies in Chillum, click the link below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chillum

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Ipsun Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.ipsunsolar.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 8664847786
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://smartroofinc.com/washington-dc-roofing-contractors/
Address: Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 2025191372
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Solar Veteran
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Trinity Solar

  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Pros icon Family-owned and -operated
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Con icon Limited service area
  • Con icon Relatively short workmanship warranty

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.trinity-solar.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Demo King Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://demokingsolar.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 2029966604
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Catholic Energies

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.catholicenergies.org/
Address: Washington, DC 20017
Phone: 7034340059
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Solution

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://solarsolutiondc.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 2022491112
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

New Columbia Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.newcolumbiasolar.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20017
Phone: 2028101661
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Neighborhood Sun

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://neighborhoodsun.solar/
Address: Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 8886060054
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Honeydew Energy Advisors

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: https://honeydewadvisors.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20011
Phone: 2026709625
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Lightbox Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://lightboxenergy.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 2027948747
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Revolution Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.revolutionsolarenergy.com/
Address: Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 2028517216

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chillum

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chillum based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chillum


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Maryland solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chillum

We know that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar comes down to installation costs. A few main factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:

  • Electricity consumption: The average home in Chillum uses a decent amount of, and so may save on their energy bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to lower your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. In addition, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
  • Your current electric bills: Solar panels can dramatically lower, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Chillum, you can save an average of $76 a month.
  • The type and model of solar panels you're planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels are more highly priced, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.

Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and your energy consumption.

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Solar Incentives in Chillum

Although a solar power system is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money in the long term because of lower utility bills and government incentives. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after installing a solar panel system. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Chillum.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chillum

Switching to solar energy can have a beneficial impact on the environment. You may be curious — how much do solar panels do for the planet anyway? The average person has a substantial carbon footprint. Between their car, which releases over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, and powering their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Installing solar panels is one of the easiest things you can do to help. Since solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without releasing carbon emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Chillum, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the most reputable solar company in Chillum?

The top local solar company in Chillum is GreenBrilliance, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

Are solar panels actually good for the environment?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.6 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

How long do solar panels last?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.