DEMAND BETTER SOLAR®
with one of the best solar companies in Maryland

Before tax credits and other incentives, most homeowners in Maryland can expect to pay between $20,000 and $60,000 for top-of-the-line solar panels.

The average cost is $34,000 for a Maryland solar installation, which covers about 83% of the electricity bill. In most cases, financing will make your investment earn more money than it costs per month.

The cost varies depending on a few factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the complexity of the installation.

It’s important to note that these costs are before any state or federal incentives – which can be stacked on a single installation – all of which will reduce the overall investment substantially and add value to your home. Most incentives are only around for a limited time on a first-come first-served basis.

To get an accurate estimate for your home, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343 to schedule a free consultation.

Can you actually afford not to go solar, if solar is cheaper and cleaner than the utility? You have lots of options that make solar panels more affordable than you might think. Here the most common:

Loan Options

Solar loans make going solar more accessible by spreading the cost over time. In Maryland, you can find solar loans with terms ranging from 5 to 25 years and interest rates between 2.99% to 9.99%. Some loans offer deferred payments for 6-24 months.

These favorable terms often result in a “bill swap” scenario, where your solar earnings are greater than your monthly payments.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

You are in a PPA with your utility company right now, essentially committing to buy whatever amount of power you use, at whatever rate they charge. A Solar PPA is a financial agreement where we solarize your home on our dime, and you simply purchase the power it produces at a set rate, which is lower than your utility.

This is the purest way to go solar with no money down and no liability, simply switching your electric provider for a cheaper cost.

Income Eligible Programs

Maryland runs a few different programs to help income-eligible households install solar panels. These include grants, rebates, and specific incentives that reduce the overall cost of solar panel installation. Funding levels change over time. For the latest, please visit the resource page for the Maryland Energy Administration.

Cash Purchase

Purchasing solar panels outright is the most straightforward method. It involves a one-time payment and leads to immediate ownership, allowing you to benefit from all incentives and rebates directly.

To determine the number of solar panels you need for your home in Maryland, we will need to consider your electricity usage and where we can best fit panels on your home.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) PV Watts calculator, the average monthly electricity usage in Maryland is about 12,227 kWh per year.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to estimate the number of solar panels:

1. Determine Your Daily Energy Needs: Look at your utility bill to determine how much energy your home used in the last year (each bill has the last  12 months listed). An average homeowner in Maryland uses about 12,227 kWh of electricity per year.
2. Panel Efficiency and Size: You have a range of options. As an example, our highest efficiency panels come in 440-watt and 350-watt options which vary in physical size; our most competitively priced panel is a 400 and 405-watt unit. Some fit physically better than others on different roofs.
3. Calculate the Number of Panels Needed: Divide your yearly energy usage by the expected yearly output of each panel, which depends on which roof we’re installing on and how much sun you get.

For instance, our average project makes about 528 kWh per year from each panel. Divide your total yearly electric usage by 528 and you’ll be in the ballpark of how many panels you need. (12,000 kWh bill divided by 528 kWh per panel = Needing 22-23 panels to cover all of your usage). 

This calculation provides an estimate, and the actual number may vary based on factors such as roof size, orientation, shading, and individual energy usage.

You also don’t have to cover your whole bill with solar! Covering even just 30% at a more affordable rate for clean power is better than paying full price for 100% of it with dirty power.

For the most accurate estimate, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343 to schedule your consultation.

Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your solar panels with SunPower by EDGE Energy, which is very different than non-SunPower solar.

Wear and Tear

Solar comes with no moving parts, no oil changes, nothing to wear out over time; everything is solid state electrical components.

All systems will lose small bits of power over time as the system ages, and our SunPower X, A, and M Series equipment is warranted to 92%. There is no regular maintenance recommended by EDGE or SunPower for these systems.

Snow? Rain? Wind? Leaves?

SunPower uses patented low-Reflectivity glass with an exclusive design that makes the panels self-cleaning with rain. In our area we do find sometimes that pollen, sap, and air pollution under flights paths into the international airports can build up and should be cleaned to release another 2-5% bump in energy production.

Regular cleanings are not required and won’t change the energy output in a meaningful way on most systems. All projects are designed for 115+ mph wind and 30+ inches of snow so that you don’t need to worry when it storms.

We’ve also got the best salt-water rating of any panels available and our warranty DOES feature full coverage adjacent to salt water where other warranties are voided.

Full Coverage Warranty

All good solar comes with 25-year Warranties. The problem is: None of them cover everything. With SunPower, you’re covered by their Complete Confidence Warranty which covers all the equipment (panels, inverters, racking) and power, but this comprehensive coverage ALSO covers shipping, labor, de-install, and re-install costs, which non-SunPower Warranties do not cover . 

What’s Included?

Unlike typical solar maintenance plans, you won’t incur regular service costs such as shipping, troubleshooting, de-installation, and re-installation. Non-SunPower solar maintenance costs about $2,000 per decade for warranty-covered items. We service those systems too.

Service Calls

If you need a service check-up outside the warranty’s scope, we offer one-off service calls and check-ups at a reasonable rate of $250. We’re here to help if you need it.

As a homeowner in Maryland, deciding whether you need a backup battery for your solar panel system is an important consideration. More than 90% of solar installed in the state is done WITHOUT battery storage. Here’s what you should know:

Energy Independence and Resilience

A backup battery can significantly enhance your solar system’s effectiveness by storing excess energy for use during non-sunny periods or power outages, ensuring a continuous power supply. This can be particularly beneficial in Maryland, where weather-related outages can occur and may increase.

Environmental Impact

Using a solar battery reduces reliance on the grid and fossil fuels, lowering your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment.

To find out if a backup battery is right for your specific needs in Maryland, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343 to talk about your home’s energy usage and goals.

Choosing the right inverter for your solar system in Maryland is a critical decision that affects the cost, efficiency, and monitoring ability of your setup. Here’s a breakdown of the options:

Microinverters

Microinverters are installed on each solar panel, converting the DC power to AC right at the source. This means each panel operates independently, so if one panel’s output is reduced due to shading, it won’t affect the rest of the system. Microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.

String Inverters

String inverters are connected to a series of solar panels and convert the power in one central location, typically near your main service panel. However, the output of all panels is based on the lowest-performing panel in the string, which can be mitigated with power optimizers.

These typically come with a 10-year warranty and a 8-12 year life expectancy, and are not recommended for residential systems.

SolarEdge

SolarEdge combines a string inverter with power optimizers attached to each panel. This setup maximizes energy production by optimizing the performance of each panel before sending the power to the central inverter.

On paper, SolarEdge is very good. In practice, however, it’s a more complex system with more pieces of equipment, and ultimately still rely on 1, 2, or 3 string inverters which only have a 8-12 year lifespan, leading to high costs and lots of downtime in operation.

The right inverter can significantly enhance the performance and returns of your solar investment. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, roof layout, and budget. To talk it through, give us a call at (888) 586-3343.

Absolutely, solar panels are effective even during the winter months in Maryland. The common misconception that solar panels only work in sunny, summer conditions is far from the truth. Solar panels convert light, not heat, into energy, and they can perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures.

Snow can also reflect light and help improve photovoltaic performance, although heavy snowfall covering the panels can hinder their ability to produce energy. Most solar panels are designed to withstand the weight of accumulated snow, and any excess usually melts away quickly due to the panels’ dark surface and positioning.

During storms, solar panels are built to endure. They are typically engineered to withstand high wind speeds up to 140 mph, which covers most weather events, including severe storms. 

Solar panels offer a reliable source of energy throughout the year. With proper installation and maintenance, your solar system will continue to deliver for your home in Maryland, regardless of what the weather brings.

When considering solar offers in Maryland, you should be aware of the pitfalls that could cause you to regret your decision. Here’s what to watch for:

Misleading Loan Terms

Solar loans can vary significantly, with terms ranging from 5 to 20 years. It’s crucial to understand the interest rates, monthly payments, and any potential increases over the term of the loan.

Limited Warranties

While some companies offer long-term warranties, others may provide limited coverage. Make sure you understand the duration and extent of the warranty, as it can affect future maintenance costs.

Assigning SRECs or Other Incentives

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) can be a significant financial benefit for solar system owners. Be cautious if an installer asks to retain your SRECs or other incentives, as this could cut into your potential earnings.

Mismatched Equipment

The compatibility of solar panels, inverters, and other system components is essential for optimal performance. Mismatched equipment can lead to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.

Manufacturer or Installer Going Out of Business

Choosing a reputable, financially stable manufacturer and installer is vital, as companies going out of business can leave you without the support that you need. EDGE Energy has successfully completed thousands of solar installations since we started in 2006.

Upside Down PPA

Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) should be carefully reviewed to ensure the terms are favorable and do not lead to paying more over time than the system’s value.

Cheap Systems That Break/Leak

Opt for quality over the lowest price. Cheap systems may be prone to breakdowns and leaks, leading to additional repair costs and potential damage to your property.

Misleading Production Numbers

Verify the estimated energy production numbers provided by the installer. Overestimated production can lead to disappointment in the system’s performance and financial return.

Opting for a cheap solar installation in Maryland might seem like a cost-effective choice initially, but it can come with several risks that may not be immediately apparent. Here’s what you should consider:

Compromised Quality and Durability

Lower-priced solar installations often use materials that may not meet the highest quality standards. This can lead to a shorter lifespan for your solar panels and potential issues such as decreased performance or mechanical failures over time.

Inadequate Warranties

Cheaper solar solutions may come with limited warranties that offer minimal protection. This means you could be facing out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements much sooner than anticipated.

Unexpected Costs

Initial savings may be offset by hidden costs down the line. These can include maintenance fees, repairs, or even full system replacements if the installation was not up to par.

Performance Shortfalls

Inexpensive solar installations might not deliver the energy output promised. Mismatched equipment or poor installation practices can result in a system that doesn’t meet your energy needs, leading to higher utility bills than expected.

Reliability Issues

Cheap installations may not withstand Maryland’s weather conditions, leading to damage from storms or heavy snowfall. This could result in additional costs for repairs or replacements.

By investing in a quality solar installation from a reputable provider, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your solar system is a reliable, long-term solution for your energy needs. Just give us a call when you’re ready to get started: (888) 586-3343.