Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Great Mills, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A large, regional solar installer with a strong presence in Maryland. They are known for a comprehensive, full-service approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, financing, and maintenance. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and robust warranties.
A highly-rated, local solar contractor based in Lexington Park, making them one of the closest and most dedicated providers to the Great Mills community. They receive consistent praise for personalized customer service, expert installation crews, and deep knowledge of local permitting and interconnection processes with SMECO.
A well-established, family-owned solar and electrical company serving Southern Maryland. They differentiate themselves with strong in-house expertise for both solar and electrical work, ensuring seamless integration with a home's existing system. They offer a wide range of panel options and are certified installers for leading battery brands like Generac PWRcell.
** The home solar market in Great Mills and the broader Southern Maryland region is **moderately competitive and service-oriented**. While not as saturated as major metropolitan areas, residents have access to several highly qualified local and regional installers. The market is driven by several factors: * **Quality:** The top-tier providers are generally of high quality, with most technicians holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and companies maintaining excellent ratings. * **Competition:** Competition is sufficient to keep pricing competitive and encourage strong customer service, but it is not an overwhelming "race to the bottom." Reputation and local word-of-mouth are critical for contractors. * **Pricing & Incentives:** Typical pricing is in line with the national average. A standard 6kW residential system might range from **$18,000 to $25,000 before incentives**. Homeowners benefit from the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), as well as Maryland-specific incentives like the state's sales tax exemption and the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which all reputable installers will help navigate. * **Key Consideration:** The local utility, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), has specific interconnection requirements for grid-tied systems. The best providers have extensive experience working with SMECO, ensuring a smooth permission-to-operate process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Great Mills regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Great Mills, Maryland.
For a typical 6kW system in Great Mills, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. Critically, Maryland homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, and the state offers a property tax exemption so your assessment isn't increased by the solar installation. Additionally, you can earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) through the state's program, providing ongoing payment for the clean energy you produce, which improves the long-term financial return.
Solar panels perform very well in Great Mills' climate, generating strong output during the long, sunny summer days when air conditioning use peaks. While winter production is lower due to shorter days, panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Importantly, modern panels are highly effective at converting diffuse light, so they still produce significant energy on the region's cloudy or overcast days, ensuring year-round generation.
In St. Mary's County, you will need a building permit from the Department of Land Use and Growth Management. Your installer will typically handle this process. The installation must comply with the county's building codes and the National Electrical Code. If your home is part of an HOA, you should also review its covenants, as Maryland's Solar Rights Act limits an HOA's ability to prohibit installations but may allow for reasonable restrictions on placement.
Look for providers with strong local experience in Southern Maryland, as they will be familiar with St. Mary's County permitting and interconnection with SMECO (Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative). Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Always check recent reviews and ask for local references in Great Mills or Lexington Park to see examples of their work and discuss the customer experience.
Standard grid-tied systems will automatically shut off during a SMECO power outage for safety reasons, to prevent sending electricity back to the grid and endangering utility workers. To have power during an outage, you must invest in a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This stores excess energy for use when the grid is down, providing crucial backup power, which can be especially valuable during the occasional severe storms we experience in the region.