11 Best Solar Companies in Waldorf, MD (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Waldorf based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Waldorf, MD
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Waldorf homeowner saves $1,178/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Waldorf
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Waldorf, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to go with. But, the hard work is worth it since switching to solar power is typically a fantastic choice. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with solar panels, you can save about $14,000 on your utility bills.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best companies in your area. To get an idea of what it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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 Waldorf
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
Ipsun Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- 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
Solar Geeks LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Potomac Solar Systems INC
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
Solar Pro DMV
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Waldorf
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Waldorf 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 Waldorf
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 Waldorf
While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on energy over time, it's necessary to take into consideration the upfront costs. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- How much energy costs for you: The average family in Waldorf pays around $800 a year on energy alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- The model of solar panels you're planning on getting: Higher-efficiency panels are more highly priced, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $14,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.
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For an estimate of both how much you could save and impact the environment by installing a solar panel system, you can play around with the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Waldorf, MD.
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Solar Incentives in Waldorf
In order to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible. When you install a solar panel system on your home, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there may often be some local incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Waldorf.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Waldorf
If you're planning on adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to lower your carbon footprint. But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? An important thing to think about is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute, your footprint may be larger, so adopting solar power for your house can help offset that. Since solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. As you can see, going solar has so many other benefits apart from saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
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 Waldorf, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
The top local solar company in Waldorf is GreenBrilliance, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are a few of the main pros and cons of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it's good for the environment, and it can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.2 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.