Solar energy is at its peak with a combined 2,970 MW of solar capacity installed during 2022 in Maryland and Pennsylvania alone.
With the demand for solar rising and the price of solar dropping, now more than ever is the time to make the switch to solar. Luckily, solar installers in Baltimore like Rising Sun Solar Solutions have stepped up to meet the demand by transforming their community with renewable energy.
If you are one of the many people considering solar panels for your home or business, then your first step is to find a solar energy company. This decision can greatly impact the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of your solar system.
Use this guide to choose the best and most reliable solar energy contractor in Baltimore, MD.
1. Research More Than One Company
Just like finding any great business, it starts with browsing the internet. You might begin searching for a solar energy contractor in Baltimore, but what next?
Clicking on the first big solar company may seem like the simplest solution, but it might not get you the best results. Going straight to a large solar installer puts you on a long list that makes you just a number on an assembly line.
Instead, get the attention you deserve and need by looking at smaller and more localized installers.
At Rising Sun Solar Solutions, we are a family-run company that takes the time to understand your individual energy requirements by doing a site evaluation and energy consumption audit. In addition, we walk you through potential solar incentives to make sure you are saving as much money as possible.
2. Check Experience and Licenses
A great way to narrow down your search is to look for proper licenses and experience.
In Maryland, solar installers must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) to work legally. Make sure these credentials are shown on the company website. You can also search the MHIC database to ensure the company is registered.
Solar installation is a complex process that requires roofing, electrical, and general contracting experience, in addition to solar panel installation knowledge. At Rising Sun Solar Solutions, we have 30 years of combined experience in all of these trades. This ensures that your panels will be optimally installed to generate the most effective solar energy while enhancing their safety and longevity.
3. Read Reviews and Request References
Word of mouth is the best way to know if you should consider hiring a contractor. So, if your neighbor has solar panels installed on their home, ask them for a recommendation.
You should also read reviews online and sign up for company newsletters to get more information about the business.
While some smaller solar contractors may have only a few online reviews, you might find that their reputation from a handful of clients is more reliable.
Ask the company for client referrals if there aren’t many reviews online. Never assume that a solar installer isn’t a good fit because they lack reviews. In fact, online reviews can be generated and inauthentic, making the reputation of the company misleading.
4. Evaluate Past Work
Another way to find a solar panel provider in Baltimore is to look at their previous work. You may pass by a house and see a Rising Sun Solar Solutions sign in the front yard. If you do, then stop to take a look at the solar unit. Or, you may even want to ask your neighbor if they are satisfied with the project.
In addition, you can look at the solar energy contractor’s website to find photos of past jobs. You may even find a list of businesses that used them for commercial solar projects.
5. Compare Pricing and Financing Options
Solar panel installation requires upfront costs, but it also acts as an investment. You are generating energy from the sun so you won’t have to rely on utility companies for power. This means that eventually, you will make back in savings the money that you invested in your solar unit.
This doesn’t mean that you should overpay for solar installation. You should get a quote from a Baltimore solar installer before making a commitment. And you should make sure that the cost is based on your property’s specifications and energy needs.
At Rising Sun Solar Solutions, we evaluate the site of your solar panels and find the best location to get the highest ROI. We also consider how many solar panels are required to offset your utility costs.
In addition, we can add battery storage options to create a surplus of energy for when the sun isn’t shining.
Discussing your energy requirements and financial options is important to get exactly what you want out of your solar panels. Our biggest priority is helping you save money by going solar, so we offer finance options and assist with local and federal incentive applications.
6. Assess Equipment Quality
The quality of the solar panels and other components used in your installation can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your system. Ensure that the installer offers high-quality, reputable solar panels and inverters. Ask about the brands and models they use and research their reliability and efficiency.
At Rising Sun, we use SolarEdge as the manufacturer of all our solar panels. It won the 2016 Intersolar Award and 2018 Edison Award for its solar inverters, which makes its technology high-performing and safe for all of our projects.
7. Understand Warranty and Maintenance
Solar panel installation in Baltimore is just the beginning. You also have to master solar panel maintenance and understand warranty information.
There should be a warranty on both the solar panels themselves as well as the installation of your unit. A guarantee of its functionality should also be considered when choosing a solar energy contractor.
Our solar panels at Rising Sun Solar Solutions come with a 10-year installation warranty and a 25-year manufacturer warranty. In addition, we help with general maintenance and can remove and re-install solar panels for roof repairs.
8. Communication and Customer Service
Effective communication and excellent customer service are crucial when working with a solar installer. Pay attention to how responsive and informative the installer is during your initial inquiries. A company that values its customers will likely provide better support throughout the installation process and beyond.
You should be able to contact your installer with questions before, during, and after installation. That is why we have several outlets to connect with us, including phone, email, and live chat options.
When it Comes to Picking a Solar Energy Company: Trust Your Instincts
It all comes down to your gut feeling. Choose a solar installer in Baltimore that you feel comfortable with and that answers your questions to your satisfaction. Your solar journey is a long-term commitment, and you should have confidence in the team you select to handle your installation.
Start your journey by contacting us, Rising Sun Solar Solutions, to get a free quote or simply have your questions answered. We are standing by with your solar solution.