Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kensington, Maryland. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, regional solar installer with a strong presence in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They emphasize quality equipment and customer education.
A leading local solar installer in the D.C. metro area with a strong focus on customer service and high-quality craftsmanship. They are a certified B-Corp, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. They offer tailored system designs and are experts in local incentives.
A national leader known for its integrated Solar Roof and Powerwall battery storage system. While a larger company, they have a significant operational presence in the region. They are the go-to provider for homeowners seeking a seamless, brand-name solution with a sleek aesthetic and robust energy storage.
** The home solar market in Kensington, Maryland, is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers catering to an educated and environmentally conscious consumer base. The average quality of installers is high, with many companies holding prestigious certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Kensington aligns with the national average of **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of **$25,000 to $35,000 for a 10 kW system**. However, Kensington residents have access to excellent financial incentives, including the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Maryland's state tax credit, and the valuable SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit) program through PEPCO, which can reduce the net cost by 50% or more over the system's lifetime. Most top-tier providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), to make solar more accessible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kensington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kensington, Maryland.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Kensington, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Maryland homeowners benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for the energy you produce, and a state income tax credit. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 40-50%.
Kensington's four-season climate provides ample sunny days for solar production, with summer months being particularly productive. However, the area's mature tree canopy can cause significant shading. A reputable local installer will conduct a detailed shade analysis using tools like a Solar Pathfinder to design an optimal system, which may involve strategic panel placement or using micro-inverters to mitigate the impact of shade on individual panels.
All installations require an electrical permit from Montgomery County and must pass county inspections. If your home is within one of Kensington's historic districts (like the Kensington Historic District), you will also need to obtain a Certificate of Approval from the Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP) committee, which reviews the system's visibility from the street. Your chosen installer should manage this entire permitting process.
Prioritize Maryland-licensed, bonded, and insured contractors with extensive local experience. Check their standing with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). Ask for references from recent installations in Kensington or nearby towns like Garrett Park or Chevy Chase to see how they've handled local shade, roof types, and historic district guidelines. A trustworthy provider will offer a detailed, site-specific production estimate.
Yes, panels will produce energy on clear winter days, and snow usually slides off angled panels quickly. However, standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, leaving you without power. To have backup power, you must install a dedicated solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell). This is a key consideration for Kensington homeowners concerned about occasional severe weather outages.