11 Best Solar Companies in Ellicott City, MD (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Ellicott City based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Ellicott City, MD
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Ellicott City homeowner saves $1,197/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Ellicott City
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Ellicott City homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we're here to make adopting solar power simpler. For most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar panels highly depends on how much they can save. The great news is solar can help most homeowners save a considerable amount on their fairly high and increasing energy bills.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Ellicott City and compare quotes. The great news is we did the hard work and made a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you. We suggest shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-obligation quotes from vetted solar panel companies in Ellicott City, click the link below.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Ellicott City
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Ipsun Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
American Energy Services
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
www.solar-apartments.com
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
SolarWindow
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Ameresco
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Ellicott City
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City
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 Ellicott City
Although solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on power bills over time, it's necessary to take into consideration the upfront costs. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- How much electricity your household consumes: Homes that consume lots of power each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more expensive, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can significantly lower, or entirely eliminate, your utility bills. In Ellicott City, you can save an average of $70 a month.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you're trying to decrease your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Ellicott City homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
To see how much you can impact the environment and your wallet by switching to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Ellicott City, MD.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Ellicott City
If you're thinking about making the switch to solar energy, several government incentives and state programs can immensely reduce the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local incentives. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Ellicott City
Going solar can have a positive impact on the environment. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Ellicott City, though. One thing that can drastically affect your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive generally. If you switch to solar power and have an electric car, you can vastly cut back on your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home. In Ellicott City, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year once they go solar. The great things about solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ellicott City, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Ellicott City, GreenBrilliance is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are a few of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, 100% cut your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and lower your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 13.0 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, how much you're willing to spend and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.