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 Reisterstown, Maryland requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Reisterstown to help you choose the perfect installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can pick a local Reisterstown solar company or use a well-known national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can decrease your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Reisterstown homeowners to save an average of $840 every year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should assess different companies and get quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
When evaluating Reisterstown 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 good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Reisterstown, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you pick any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, installing solar panels in Reisterstown typically costs $13,849.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Reisterstown homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
A variety of solar incentives are offered to Reisterstown homeowners. Some programs are open to all Maryland residents, though others vary by city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives offered 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 Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit for Solar and Geothermal Devices | 50% of eligible costs |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings | Varies |
Property Tax Incentive Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings and Homes | Commercial: 10% - 80% of county real property taxes assessed for 3 - 5 years Homes (LEED or NGBS): 40% - 100% of county real property taxes assessed for 3 - 5 years Homes (Energy Improvements): varies, equal to the % of energy efficiency improvement over a baseline of existing home or the energy code for new homes |
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 |
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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, evaluate these important questions.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire 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 book an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage could raise the installation cost.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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