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
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
When choosing between the best solar companies, Columbia homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy that much easier. Because solar panels produce their own power, they can greatly reduce your electricity bill each month, if not totally eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the best solar companies in Columbia to make your choice a little easier.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Columbia, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbia
Paradise Energy Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
EDGE Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Consultation
- Cleaning
MSSI - Maryland Solar Solutions, Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Solar Carports
- Skilled Repairs
Solar-Verse
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
410 Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Sunburst Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Solar Energy Services, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
The Solar Brokers USA
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
Advanced Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
- Commercial Panels
GreenBrilliance
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
Advanced Green Home Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Energy Efficiency Audit
- Full-Service
- Commercial Panels
Suntuity Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Power Factor
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Consultation
- Emergency Services
Glim Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Maintenance
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Residential Panels
Free State Solar Co
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Residential Panels
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
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your panels.There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
- How much electricity your household consumes: Homes that consume plenty of energy each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- How much energy costs for you: The average household in Columbia pays around $1,400 a year on energy alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
Adopting solar power has a lot of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the environment, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.These incentives mostly take the form of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce how much you pay for going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on your location. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
Switching to solar energy can have a beneficial effect on the environment.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help by going solar? Something that can drastically shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you switch to solar power and have an electric car, you can greatly decrease your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Columbia residents have been happy with using solar energy.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Columbia, MD Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best 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 good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it can provide a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, the startup costs are high and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.