Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Abell, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A large, regional leader in solar installation serving multiple states, including Maryland. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial design to installation and maintenance, and their strong knowledge of state and federal incentives.
A highly-rated, employee-owned company focused on quality installations and customer service. They specialize in custom-designed systems and have expertise in both grid-tied and battery-ready solutions, making them a good fit for the semi-rural Abell area.
A national leader known for its integrated solar roof and Powerwall battery storage system. While their national rating is lower due to customer service variability, their technology and brand recognition are top-tier. They serve the Abell area and offer a streamlined, online-heavy process.
The home solar market in and around Abell, Maryland, is characteristic of a rural-to-suburban transition area. The market is **moderately competitive**, with several strong regional and national providers actively vying for customers in St. Mary's County. The average quality of providers is **high**, as companies operating in Maryland must be licensed and adhere to state and local building codes. Customers in Abell benefit from this competition but may have slightly fewer "hyper-local" options compared to more densely populated areas. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average-sized 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage. Residents of Abell are eligible for Maryland-specific incentives, notably the Maryland Residential Clean Energy Grant and the state's sales tax exemption for solar equipment, which top-tier providers will help navigate. The combination of falling equipment costs and strong incentives makes solar an increasingly attractive investment for homeowners in the area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Abell regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Abell, Maryland.
For a typical 6kW system in Abell, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $24,000. Maryland offers significant savings through the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which deducts 30% from your tax liability, and the state's Residential Clean Energy Grant Program, which provides a one-time grant of $1,000. Additionally, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) offers net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy you send back to the grid.
Abell's climate is favorable for solar, with ample sunny days, though production varies seasonally. Summer offers the most peak sun hours, maximizing output, while shorter winter days yield less. Importantly, modern panels are efficient even on cloudy days, and cooler temperatures actually improve panel performance, meaning our spring and fall seasons can be very productive. Snow is infrequent but can temporarily reduce output until it melts or slides off angled panels.
Yes, you must obtain a building permit from St. Mary's County Department of Land Use & Growth Management. The process is generally straightforward for standard rooftop installations, but historic district or homeowners association (HOA) rules may apply; Maryland's Solar Rights Act limits HOAs' ability to outright prohibit installations but they can have reasonable aesthetic guidelines. A reputable local installer will typically manage this entire permitting process for you.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Southern Maryland, proper Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) licensing, and certifications from manufacturers like SunPower or Tesla. Ask for references from recent installations in St. Mary's County and verify they understand SMECO's interconnection process. It's also wise to choose a company that offers robust local service and maintenance, as they will be best equipped for any follow-up needs.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) or a specialized solar inverter with islanding capability. This is a valuable consideration for Abell homeowners, as it provides backup power during occasional severe storms that can impact the local grid.