Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Arnold, Maryland requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Arnold to help you choose the right installer.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Arnold or decide on an established national brand.
Although solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Arnold homeowners to save $840 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
When evaluating Arnold solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Arnold, can still use solar power. The top reasons to switch to solar power are:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Arnold averages around $13,244.
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
In Arnold, you can anticipate saving money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Arnold homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Particular programs are offered statewide to all Maryland residents, whereas others differ based on city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available to Maryland residents, as listed by DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program | PV: $1,000/project (flat per installation/household incentive) SWH: $500/project (flat per installation/household incentive) New GHC: $3,000/project GHC Replacement: $500/project |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | Varies based on market conditions |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Residential Solar and Wind Electricity Sales | 100% exemption from sales and use tax |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems | 100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property |
Rebate Program Clean-Burning Wood Stove Grant Program | Stick Burning Stove: $500 Pellet Burning Stove: $700 |
Sales Tax Incentive Wood Heating Fuel Exemption | 100% exemption |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings | Varies |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Credit for Renewables and Energy Conservation Devices | Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years. |
Rebate Program Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Appliances & Recycling Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50 Clothes Washer: $75 - $100 Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Pool Pump: $150 - $400 Refrigerator: $100 Dehumidifier: $30 Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25 Smart Thermostat: $100 Heating & Cooling Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650 Central A/C: $300 - $500 Gas Furnace: $250 Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100 Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500 Lighting Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website |
Rebate Program Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Appliances & Recycling Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50 Clothes Washer: $75 - $100 Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Pool Pump: $150 - $400 Refrigerator: $100 Dehumidifier: $30 Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25 Smart Thermostat: $100 Heating & Cooling Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650 Central A/C: $300 - $500 Gas Furnace: $250 Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100 Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500 Lighting Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website |
Rebate Program Residential/Community Wind Grant Program | Residential: $4,000/kW of normalized capacity at 11 m/s Community: $1000/kW - $4000/kW, depending on the system capacity |
Property Tax Incentive Anne Arundel County - Solar and Geothermal Equipment Property Tax Credits | 50% of the cost of materials and installation less any federal and state grants and state solar energy tax credits |
Property Tax Incentive Anne Arundel County - High Performance Dwelling Property Tax Credit | LEED or NGBS Silver: 40% of property taxes for 5 years LEED or NGBS Gold: 60% of real property taxes for 5 years LEED Platinum or NGBS Emerald: 80% of real property taxes for 5 years |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Consider the following before hiring a solar installation expert.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage can increase the costs of setting up your system.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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