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10 best solar companies in Bethesda, Maryland
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Bethesda. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Bethesda, Maryland, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Bethesda.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the right company for you. You can choose a local Bethesda solar company or use a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels call for a major upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows Bethesda homeowners to save $940 on average each year.
Many solar companies offer different services. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Bethesda
Look for Bethesda solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
Advanced Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
- Prompt service delivery
- Reliable customer support
EDGE Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Greenway home improvements
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
GreenBrilliance
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sky NRG Solar Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Glim Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
American Solar Enterprises LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Suntuity Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Tiger Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Solar-Verse
The Solar Brokers USA
Solar Energy Services, Inc.
Prospect Solar LLC
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Bethesda?
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Bethesda, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for going solar:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help reduce your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Bethesda
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethesda?
Based on a survey we carried out in October 2023, the typical cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price increases if you choose any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, installing solar panels in Bethesda typically costs $13,851.
How much can you save by going solar in Bethesda?
Putting in solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Bethesda from going solar
In Bethesda, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Bethesda's standard solar payback period is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Bethesda: On average, Bethesda homeowners can save $943 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by moving completely to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $12,725 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Bethesda from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 11 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 275 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Bethesda?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in Bethesda. Certain programs cover all Maryland residents, while others are determined by your utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are available for Maryland residents, according to DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Rebate Program Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program | PV: $1,000/project (flat per installation/household incentive) SWH: $500/project (flat per installation/household incentive) New GHC: $3,000/project GHC Replacement: $500/project |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | Varies based on market conditions |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Residential Solar and Wind Electricity Sales | 100% exemption from sales and use tax |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems | 100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property |
Rebate Program Clean-Burning Wood Stove Grant Program | Stick Burning Stove: $500 Pellet Burning Stove: $700 |
Sales Tax Incentive Wood Heating Fuel Exemption | 100% exemption |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings | Varies |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Credit for Renewables and Energy Conservation Devices | Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years. |
Rebate Program Residential/Community Wind Grant Program | Residential: $4,000/kW of normalized capacity at 11 m/s Community: $1000/kW - $4000/kW, depending on the system capacity |
Rebate Program PEPCO - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | LightingGet instant, in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR certified lighting. LED Bulbs: Up to $3 per bulb LED Fixtures: $8 per fixture Appliances Clothes Dryer: $50 Clothes Washer: $75 - $100 Hybrid Water Heater: $500 Pool Pump: $150 - $400 Refrigerator: $100 Smart Thermostat: $100 Dehumidifier: $30 HVAC Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 (Tier 1) - $650 (Tier 2) Central A/C: $300 (Tier 1) - $500 (Tier 2) Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500 ECM Furnace Motor: $50 - $100 Home Energy Check up: Free Recycling Refrigerator or Freezer: $50 Room A/C or Dehumidifier: $25 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Bethesda solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could affect your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The addition of battery storage might bump up the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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