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 Clinton, Maryland, requires choosing a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar installers in Clinton.
Prior to selecting an installer, request referrals from others, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Clinton or pick a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Clinton homeowners to save a yearly average of around $890.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Focus your search on Clinton solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Clinton, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your sunlight availability, shading, roof orientation, labor costs, system size and area. Opting for extras such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will raise the overall cost.
In Clinton, solar panel installation costs an average of $13,517, according to data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Homeowners in Clinton who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Clinton homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are provided statewide to all Maryland residents, while others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives to Maryland homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
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 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 |
Rebate Program PEPCO - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | LightingGet instant, in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR certified lighting. LED Bulbs: Up to $3 per bulb LED Fixtures: $8 per fixture Appliances Clothes Dryer: $50 Clothes Washer: $75 - $100 Hybrid Water Heater: $500 Pool Pump: $150 - $400 Refrigerator: $100 Smart Thermostat: $100 Dehumidifier: $30 HVAC Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 (Tier 1) - $650 (Tier 2) Central A/C: $300 (Tier 1) - $500 (Tier 2) Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500 ECM Furnace Motor: $50 - $100 Home Energy Check up: Free Recycling Refrigerator or Freezer: $50 Room A/C or Dehumidifier: $25 |
Rebate Program SMECO - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Air-Source Heat Pump Central A/C Clothes Dryers: $50 Clothes Washer: $75 (Tier 2) - $100 (Tier 3) Geothermal Heat Pump Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 LED Lighting: Up to $7/bulb Ductless Mini Split Air-Source Heat Pump Pool Pump: $400 Recycled Refrigerator/Freezer: $50 Recycled Dehumidifier: $25 Recycled Room A/C: $25 Refrigerator: $100 Smart Thermostat: $100 |
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 professional solar panel installation company.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive homes tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. Incorporating battery storage can increase the costs of setting up your system.
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken 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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