15 Best Solar Companies in Bethesda, MD (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Bethesda based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Bethesda, MD
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Bethesda homeowner saves $1,349/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Bethesda
Getting the right solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Bethesda. Because solar panels produce their own electrical power, they can greatly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $17,000 of savings over 20 years.
Here, we’ll make a list of some of the best solar companies in Bethesda to make your choice much easier.To help you find out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Bethesda by clicking the button below.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Bethesda
Paradise Energy Solutions
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Advanced Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
EDGE Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Greenway home improvements
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Sky NRG Solar Inc.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
Free State Solar Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
American Solar Enterprises LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Caleb Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Old Dominion Solar Panels
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
GreenBrilliance
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Sunlight-To-The Rescue, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Glim Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
The Solar Brokers USA
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Suntuity Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Bethesda
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Bethesda 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 Bethesda
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 Bethesda
The cost of installing solar panels has gone down immensely in the past several years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- The kind of solar panel system you can afford: This is dependent on what your budget is.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Bethesda gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can dramatically reduce, or entirely eliminate, your utility bills. In Bethesda, you can save an average of $1,706 a month.
Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Bethesda
Adopting solar power has a lot of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the Earth, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.When you install solar panels on your home, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there may often be some regional incentives that you can take advantage of to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Bethesda
Lots of people want to do what they can to help the planet, which in many cases is the main reason for installing a solar system.Something many homeowners might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? For those who want to help cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, going solar is an easy decision, especially since Bethesda produces a high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 10 pounds each year. Since solar power is renewable and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Bethesda, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Bethesda?
The highest-rated local solar company in Bethesda is Paradise Energy Solutions, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.