15 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, MD (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbia based on:
Customer review scores
Service area for Columbia, MD
Company policies and services offered
Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,197/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
On the hunt for the top solar companies in Columbia? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $14,000 on your electricity bills.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Columbia to make your choice much easier.To get a sense of how much it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 Columbia
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
Paradise Energy Solutions
Clear Pricing Policy
Informative Resources
Free Quotes
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance
Panel Installation
Battery Storage
Consultation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
EDGE Energy
Free Quotes
Reliable Customer Support
Clear Pricing Policy
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Cleaning and Maintenance
Financing Assistance
Battery Storage
Skilled Repairs
Consultation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
MSSI - Maryland Solar Solutions, Inc
Free Quotes
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance
Skilled Repairs
Solar Carports
System Decommissioning
Cleaning and Maintenance
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
Solar-Verse
Informative Resources
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
410 Energy Solutions
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance
Battery Storage
Financing Assistance
Consultation
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
Sunburst Solar LLC
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation
Permit Assistance
Panel Installation
Skilled Repairs
Financing Assistance
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
Solar Energy Services, Inc.
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consultation
Battery Storage
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
The Solar Brokers USA
Informative Resources
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance
Panel Installation
Consultation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
Advanced Solar
Informative Resources
Reliable Customer Support
Prompt Service Delivery
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Skilled Repairs
Consultation
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
GreenBrilliance
Reliable Customer Support
Informative Resources
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Permit Assistance
Financing Assistance
Consultation
Panel Installation
Cleaning and Maintenance
Skilled Repairs
Battery Storage
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/platinum.png)
Advanced Green Home Solutions
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
Suntuity Solar
Informative Resources
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Battery Storage
Financing Assistance
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consultation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
Power Factor
Reliable Customer Support
Clear Pricing Policy
Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation
Financing Assistance
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
Glim Solar
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
![ecowatch badge icon](https://www.ecowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/select.png)
Free State Solar Co
Clear Pricing Policy
Reliable Customer Support
Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Cleaning and Maintenance
Consultation
Battery Storage
Panel Installation
Skilled Repairs
System Decommissioning
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia 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 Columbia
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 Columbia
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to hire depends on prices.There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, such as:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Columbia gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your electricity bills will be.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much energy your household consumes: Homes that use a lot of power each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- How much you spend on energy: The typical family in Columbia pays around $1,400 a year on energy alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping protect the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money over many years due to smaller energy bills and government incentives.When you install a solar panel system on your home, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently reduces your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there may often be some local incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
There are a few main reasons why people want to invest in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Columbia, though. One thing that can drastically shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you install solar panels and have an electric car, you can vastly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Even though solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Columbia, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you’ll no doubt get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Columbia, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Columbia?
In Columbia, Paradise Energy Solutions is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are a few of the main advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely erase your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and lower your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
When should I put up 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.