With so many solar companies to choose from, we know how daunting it can be to find an installer you can trust with your home’s solar system. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best solar companies in Baltimore, MD, as rated by our SolarReviews experts and Baltimore residents who’ve already gone solar.
We look for solar companies with owners who understand that when they sell you a solar system, you expect them to be there for the next 25 years to fix any issues that may arise. Here are the top companies we recommend for solar in Baltimore:
Company Description
We believe there is an opportunity to build a new kind of solar company from the ground up, utilizing the lessons of the previous decade with the tools of today to build a premier solar installation business that will propel into the 2020’s and beyond. Our tea...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
7 / 10
Time in business
10 / 10
Litigation and background
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
9 / 10
Profitability of installer
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
4 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
4 / 5
Company size and location
10 / 10
Quality of brands sold
5 / 5
Vertical integration
5 / 5
Transparency about reputation
10 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
5 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
5 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
Negatives:
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Mike Misterkiewicz | , PA | 01-26-2025
Smooth Install and Impressed with the outcome.
We are currently in the dead of winter and I'm producing over 50% of my daily usage. I look forward to the summertime, but so far, I'm extremely impressed. They even produce with snow on them.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
Victor | 02-04-2025
Cannot even schedule a repair for warranties
My 3 panels stopped working on 12/29 I emailed Lumina on Jan 8. Provided the enphase error. They confirmed with enphase that there was an issue but did not get a repair date. Followed up 2 times and they still would not give me a date up to today Feb 4. Avoid this company, they will sell but not fulfill their contractual obligations on warranty. My panels are only 4 years old and our contract covers 10 year warranty on parts and labor.
See full reviewCompany Description
Solar Energy World is the fastest-growing, independently-owned and operated solar company serving Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. With thousands of solar panel system installations since our foundin...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
10 / 10
Time in business
10 / 10
Litigation and background
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
10 / 10
Profitability of installer
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
4 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
5 / 5
Company size and location
10 / 10
Quality of brands sold
5 / 5
Vertical integration
5 / 5
Transparency about reputation
10 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
5 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
5 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
Negatives:
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
It's Always Sunny in NJ | Pennsauken, NJ | 02-09-2025
Happy Solartations
The whole process was awesome from start to finish! Bryan, the sales representative, was great – he totally explained everything without being pushy, just laid out the facts and let us decide. We ended up getting 34 solar panels, the whole job took two days, and I'm stoked! Like the Beatles said, "Here comes the sun...it's all right!"
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
Solomon | 01-28-2025
I am not happy with the solar energy. I agreed to pay $ 58 but I agin paid for pico company around $ 19 . I should not pay two times. Reach me out for more details
See full reviewCompany Description
Venture Solar is the highest quality residential installer in the Northeast servicing New York, Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. We take pride in the quality of our installations and ...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
9 / 10
Time in business
10 / 10
Litigation and background
10 / 10
Profitability of installer
10 / 10
Quality of brands sold
5 / 5
Vertical integration
6 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
4 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
5 / 5
Transparency about reputation
3 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
5 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
Negatives:
2 / 5
Company size and location
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Catherine F. | Baltimore, MD | 02-14-2025
Installation
Solar panels were installed yesterday. Weather was iffy but Brandon made safe decisions for his crew. They adjusted what they needed to do and when the weather improved, they safely did the roof work. All crew members were professional and communication and teamwork was fantastic.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
RZ | 01-21-2025
Liars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a senior citizen on a fixed budget and they promised that my bill will be fixed after their calculations, that the meter would be swapped, that I won't have to pay anything extra to electric company and that my wall which they destroyed would be fixed and looking as good as new. Well, guess what! Lies, all lies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My wall was not fixed, and no matter how many times I contacted them to get it done it's been 6 months and nothing was done. I am being charges but the solar and by the electric company double of what I was paying before solar and I don't know how to get out of it now. My meter has not been swapped for the solar meter so whatever extra is produced is not going anywhere. My summer bills with the air condition and winter bills were on the average $220 a month and now with solar my bill is close to $300 a month and it's not even summer. And nobody is replying to my emails anymore, nobody know anything and why this is happening, I am just getting a runaround from one person to another. Nothing can be cancelled nothing can be done that's it. they have me by the throat now and nobody gives a shit about lies their sales people, managers, and other numerous executives feeding us when trying to push their solar on to us. LIES LIES AND MORE LIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I email I call and nothing
See full reviewBest solar installers in Baltimore, MD
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lumina | Elite | Baltimore | Get Quote | |
Solar Energy World | Elite | Laurel | Get Quote | |
Venture Home Solar, LLC | Elite | - | Get Quote | |
EDGE ENERGY | Unrated | Beltsville | Get Quote | |
Celestial Solar Innovations | Elite | Eldersburg | Get Quote | |
Solar Energy Services, Inc. | Very Good | Millersville | Get Quote | |
American Sentry Solar | Elite | Bel Air | Get Quote |
Best solar companies for home battery installations in Baltimore
Batteries have become increasingly popular because they take an intermittent energy source like solar and turn it into a reliable and consistent supply of electricity. We recommend getting a solar battery quote if you want a backup power source or if your utility company doesn’t have a net metering program that buys excess solar energy at the full price of power, as you could save a little extra on your electric bill.
Here are some Baltimore companies that install panels and solar battery storage systems:
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bright Eye Solar | Unrated | - | Get Quote | |
SolarGaines | Unrated | Baltimore | Get Quote | |
Renewable Energy Corporation | Unrated | Timonium | Get Quote | |
Solar SME | Unrated | - | Get Quote | |
Aurora Energy | Unrated | Columbia | Get Quote |
How to find the best solar panel company near you
Picking a solar company is the most important decision you make when going solar. You need to trust them to drill holes in your roof, help you navigate financing and incentives and provide you with 25+ years of customer service.
Check out this video where our founder, who also founded a successful solar installation company, explains what to look for when choosing the best solar company near you.
Top things to consider when choosing a solar company in Baltimore:
Years in business
One of the first things to look at when finding a company is how long they have been in business. We suggest looking for companies that have been around for at least five years, as the longer it has been in business, the more likely it is you’ll have a positive installation experience.
Companies with five or more years of experience will probably have established after-sales service and warranty support. It signals that they aren’t a company in it to make a quick buck; they’re in it for the long haul.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, which is why you should also keep a few other factors in mind.
Licenses, insurance, and certifications
Solar companies that are licensed, insured and hold certifications take their business seriously. Look for companies that have NABCEP Certified professionals or certified electricians on staff and are properly insured, so their workers, and you, are protected.
Financing options
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a solar panel installation. So, you’ll want to find a company with solar financing options that work for you. Ask for quotes for various types of financing plans to see which one will work best for your budget. Solar loans are often your next best choice if you can’t pay in cash. But, if you don’t pay federal income taxes or can’t qualify for a loan, finding a company that offers solar leases or power purchase agreements might be the right move.
Services and products offered
Don’t choose a company that can’t complete the job that you want to be done. If you need an energy storage system, get quotes from companies that install batteries! Maybe you want a particular brand of panels or an electric vehicle charger installation. Ask the company if they provide those services or carry those brands so you don’t have to settle for less.
Customer review scores
Customer ratings give valuable insight into how a solar company actually operates and treats its customers. Read SolarReviews, Google and Yelp reviews to understand the company’s installation process, sales practices and overall customer service. But remember that some companies incentivize customers to leave positive reviews, so make sure you read reviews with some scrutiny.
Warranty
Any reputable solar installation company will offer a workmanship or labor warranty that covers any damages that may occur during the installation process. We recommend using an installer with at least a ten-year labor warranty.
Some installation companies, like SunPower, include a system performance guarantee. This promises you’ll get a certain amount of electricity from your solar panels and is an excellent added protection.
Baltimore incentives and rebates
Solar incentives and rebates can cut the cost of installing solar in Baltimore by thousands of dollars. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, available to any taxpayer in the country when they purchase solar panels or battery storage.
Some cities, counties, states and utility companies offer additional solar incentives, saving homeowners even more money. Here are the solar incentives available in Baltimore:
Incentive | Eligibility | Type |
---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | State | Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program |
Property Tax Exemption for Clean Energy Systems | State | Property Tax Incentive |
Residential Clean Energy Grant Program | State | Rebate Program |
Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Equipment | State | Sales Tax Incentive |
How much can you save with solar incentives?
What to look for in solar quotes in Baltimore
Once you’ve found a few companies you like, you can start getting solar quotes. You can get a better deal when you get quotes from multiple solar installers; we suggest getting at least three quotes. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for comparing quotes and what questions you should ask installers.
System size and energy production
All solar quotes should include the size of the system and how much energy it is projected to produce. Most of the quotes you get will probably be in the same ballpark. But, if one is drastically larger or smaller than the others — ask about it! Maybe one installer included shading from a tree, while another based its estimates on having that tree removed.
If you choose reliable installers, you can trust that these estimates will be as accurate as possible. But you can always double-check using the SolarReviews solar calculator and enter the information received in your quotes.
Pricing
You should know as much as possible about how much the solar panels cost. Make sure you know both the total cost of the system and the price per watt of solar installed. The cost per watt makes it easier to compare prices between quotes and gives you a better idea of how fairly the system is priced. The average price of solar is about $2.19 to $3.29 per watt in Baltimore, so anything in that range is a fair price.
Financing
Financing is one of the most important things to look for in your solar quote. There are a few different things to keep an eye out for, depending on what type of solar financing you’re using.
If you’re looking to use a solar loan, you should ask the company for both a cash quote and the financed quote. Solar loans include something called dealer fees, which can sometimes add 20% or more to the total cost of your system in exchange for a lower interest rate. It’s worth comparing what dealer fees and interest rates you’re quoted from different companies to get the best deal possible.
If you want a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you’ll want to look for an escalator clause in the contract. The escalator clause outlines how much your payments will go up every year. Ideally, this should be lower than the rate at which electric prices increase in your area, typically about 3% annually. If the escalator rate is higher than this, you could end up paying more than if you hadn’t gone solar at all!
Payback period
Some quotes may include when you’ll break even, meaning when your panels have saved as much as you spent on them.
If it’s not explicitly listed on the quote, you can compare any savings estimates they provide to the system’s total price and get a rough estimate of when your panels will pay themselves off. The shorter the payback period, the better.
Equipment
Good quality solar installers will carry good quality equipment. So if you pick an installer you trust, you can expect reliable products. But, it can’t hurt to research and ask the installer questions about what would be going on your roof.
Most solar panels installed today are about 400 watts in size and have efficiency ratings above 19%. Higher wattage and efficiency panels can produce slightly more electricity but may add a price premium. You’ll want to make sure the solar panels have the industry standard 25-year product and performance warranties.
Frequently asked questions about solar in Baltimore
How much do solar panels cost in Baltimore?
How much can solar panels save in Baltimore?
Do I need a solar battery in Baltimore?
How can you pay for solar panels in Baltimore?
What are the best solar companies for a solar lease in Baltimore?
What are the best solar companies for zero-down solar loans in Baltimore?
How SolarReviews rates installers
SolarReviews developed our Expert Rating criteria to make it easier for homeowners to find solar companies they can trust. It’s not just about the consumer reviews or the products they sell - it’s about how they treat their employees, how they support their customers, and if they run an honest business.
We used our team’s extensive knowledge of the solar industry to create a data-based scoring system for rating solar companies that encompasses all of the most important things to consider when picking the best solar company, including:
- Background checks
- Brand quality
- License and insurance
- Vertical integration
- Profitability
- Transparency
- Consumer reviews
- Loan options
- Local service
- Responsible pricing
Learn more about the SolarReviews Expert Rating system.
Andy is arguably the most qualified rooftop solar expert in America. He is in a unique position, having founded a large solar company but now being independent of any particular company. He has appeared on CNBC, has been referenced in public hearings concerning the rooftop solar industry ( such as the recent CPUC NEM 3 decision) and has been referenced by many major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and many others.