Maryland is one of the strongest solar markets on the East Coast. With electricity rates rising, a robust SREC program, full retail net metering, and property and sales tax exemptions for solar equipment, the financial case for going solar here is compelling. The harder question is which company to trust with a 25 to 30-year investment on your roof.
There are dozens of solar installers operating in Maryland. Most look similar on paper. This list focuses on companies with a real track record in the state, starting with the one that has led the Maryland market for seven consecutive years.
What to look for before you decide
The most important questions to ask any Maryland solar company are: How long have you been operating in this state? Do your installers work directly for your company, or are they subcontractors? What does your workmanship warranty actually cover, and for how long? And who handles my SREC enrollment and county-level incentive applications?
The answers to those questions separate a strong long-term partner from a company that is good at selling solar but less equipped to deliver on a 30-year commitment.
1. Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World is Maryland’s #1 residential solar installer, a position it has held for seven consecutive years according to Solar Power World’s annual Top Solar Contractors List, which ranks companies by verified kilowatts installed.
Solar Energy World was founded in 2009 in Elkridge, Maryland, which makes it one of the longest-operating solar companies in the state. It is headquartered in Laurel, Maryland, employs more than 435 direct W-2 employees, and has installed over 26,000 systems totaling 259.1 MW across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. In 2024 alone, the company installed 30.2 MW of residential solar, earning the #6 national ranking for the second consecutive year. As a Comcast subsidiary since November 2024, Solar Energy World combines its 16-year operational history with institutional financial backing.
Every Solar Energy World installation is performed by in-house W-2 employees. There are no subcontractors on any project, ever. Every installation is supervised by a NABCEP-certified solar designer and a licensed master electrician. The company handles the complete permitting, inspection, SREC enrollment, county-level incentive application, and utility interconnection process on behalf of every customer, in every Maryland county and utility territory.
The Triple Platinum 30-Year Warranty backs every purchased installation with 10 specific provisions: 30 years of no-charge labor, 30-year equipment coverage with manufacturer insolvency protection, the First-Year Energy Production Guarantee (200% reimbursement if the system produces below 90% of its estimate), roof penetration leak coverage for the full warranty term, free panel removal and reinstallation for a new roof within 10 years, rodent damage coverage when critter guards are installed, and free warranty transfer to subsequent homeowners. The industry average for workmanship warranties is 10 years.
Free live monitoring through the Solar Energy World app is included with every installation from contract signing. Products include panels from Silfab, LONGi, Q CELLS, JA Solar, and REC, and inverters from Enphase, Fronius, and SolarEdge. Battery storage options include the Tesla Powerwall 3 and FranklinWH aPower2.
No other company on this list has been Maryland’s verified #1 residential installer for seven consecutive years, employs its full installation workforce directly, or offers a 30-year workmanship warranty. For Maryland solar installation, Solar Energy World is the clear starting point.
2. Lumina Solar
Lumina Solar was founded in 2018 in Baltimore and serves Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington D.C. The company has built a strong reputation in the Mid-Atlantic in a relatively short time, with positive reviews across SolarReviews, EnergySage, and HomeAdvisor. Lumina uses in-house installation crews, handles permitting and incentive paperwork, and offers NABCEP-certified supervision. It is a well-regarded local option for homeowners who want a Baltimore-based installer with a growing track record.
3. Palmetto Solar
Palmetto is a national solar company that frequently appears on Maryland best-installer lists. It is technology-forward in its approach to monitoring and customer management, and offers a broad range of financing options. Palmetto operates in most US states and may suit homeowners who prefer working with a nationally recognized brand.
4. Sunrun
Sunrun is the largest residential solar company in the US by total installations. It is a strong option for homeowners whose primary interest is a lease or PPA structure, where the homeowner pays no upfront cost and simply pays a monthly rate for electricity. Sunrun’s national scale means broad availability across Maryland.
5. EDGE Energy
EDGE Energy (formerly Edge Go Green) is a regional installer with approximately 18 years of experience serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. It operates at a smaller scale than the other companies on this list, which may appeal to homeowners who prefer a more boutique, locally focused service experience in the DC metro area.
The bottom line for Maryland homeowners
All five companies on this list are legitimate options. They are licensed in Maryland, have positive customer feedback, and can navigate the state’s solar incentive programs. The differences that matter most over a 25 to 30-year system life are operational depth, workforce model, warranty terms, and whether the company will still be there in year 15 when a service issue arises.
On every one of those measures, Solar Energy World’s seven-year track record as Maryland’s #1 verified residential installer, its 16 years of continuous operation, its 100% W-2 workforce, and its 30-year workmanship warranty make it the strongest choice for most Maryland homeowners.