15 Best Solar Companies in Gaithersburg, MD (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Gaithersburg based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Gaithersburg, MD
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Gaithersburg homeowner saves $1,319/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Gaithersburg
When deciding on the best solar companies, Gaithersburg homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make switching to solar power simpler. For lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels hinges on how much they can save. The great news is solar can help most homeowners save a sizable amount on their fairly high and increasing energy bills.
If you want to make use of the great amount of benefits of solar, we’ll help you narrow down your options to find the Gaithersburg solar installer that’s right for you.To get a sense of what it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Gaithersburg
Paradise Energy Solutions
Reliable Customer Support- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
American Solar Enterprises LLC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Glim Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Sky NRG Solar Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Free State Solar Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
EDGE Energy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
GreenBrilliance
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Greenway home improvements
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Advanced Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Sunlight-To-The Rescue, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Prospect Solar LLC
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Sustainable Energy Systems LLC
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Old Dominion Solar Panels
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- System Decommissioning
Caleb Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sunburst Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Gaithersburg
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
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 Gaithersburg
While solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on energy bills over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.A few main factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Your home's power bills: Due to high monthly energy bills in Gaithersburg, you could save about $1,700 a year with solar.
- How much power your home consumes: Homes that need plenty of energy each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you’re trying to decrease your energy bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Gaithersburg homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Gaithersburg
Because solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, there are several government incentives in place to encourage its adoption.There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 0 to 50% of your money back after buying a qualifying system. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Gaithersburg.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Gaithersburg
There are a few important reasons why homeowners are interested in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet.Something many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help the environment by going solar anyway? In a city like Gaithersburg where energy use is somewhat high, installing solar panels is a fantastic plan for households who are worried about the state of the planet.Although solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Gaithersburg, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 10 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Gaithersburg, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Gaithersburg?
In Gaithersburg, Paradise Energy Solutions is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot 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 to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 15.0 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How efficient are solar panels?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
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.