Q: How much can I save with solar panels?

Most homeowners save 50-70% on their electricity bills, which translates to $1,000-$2,000+ annually depending on system size and energy usage. Over 25 years, total electricity savings typically range from $35,000-$50,000. MD homeowners stack additional SREC income (15-year value $4,800-$10,800+ with the Brighter Tomorrow Act 1.5x multiplier on eligible new installs). Actual savings depend on your current energy costs, system size, financing structure, and available incentives.

Q: What happens during cloudy days or at night?

Solar panels still generate power on cloudy days, though at reduced capacity (10-25% of sunny day production). At night, you'll draw power from the grid or from a battery storage system if installed. Net metering credits you for excess daytime production, offsetting nighttime usage.

Q: How long do solar panels last?

Quality solar panels last 25-30+ years with minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing 80-85% output after 25 years. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement during the system's lifetime.

Q: Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Rain naturally cleans most panels, though periodic cleaning (1-2 times per year) can boost efficiency in dusty areas. We recommend annual inspections to check connections and ensure optimal performance. Our monitoring systems alert you to any issues.

Q: What incentives are available for solar?

The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025. State and local programs are still strong: SRECs in MD and DC, property tax exemptions, MD's Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) grant for income-eligible households, DC's Solar for All program, and Virginia's sales/property tax exemptions. We help you identify and apply for every program you qualify for.

Q: Are there state or local incentives in DC and Maryland?

Yes. Maryland SRECs currently trade at $40-$60 per certificate (Flett Exchange / Currents) with a 1.5x multiplier on systems installed July 2024 - January 2028 under the Brighter Tomorrow Act. An 8 kW MD system generates 8-12 SRECs/year base. The Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) grants up to $7,500 for income-eligible homeowners (Aduu Solar is on MEA's official Participating Contractor list). MD also has a property tax exemption on solar value. Montgomery County residents get MCGB-subsidized financing at 2.99% APR for 15 years through Climate First Bank. DC SRECs trade much higher (2026 vintage ~$360-$440 SACP ceiling) and DC's Solar for All program provides solar at no cost for income-qualified households (administered by DOEE/DCSEU).

Question 1

How do I know if solar is right for my property?

Accepted Answer

Solar is ideal for properties with good sun exposure (south, southwest, or southeast-facing roofs), minimal shading, and sufficient roof space or land area. Our free site assessment evaluates your property's solar potential, energy usage patterns, and roof condition to provide personalized recommendations.

Question 2

How much does a solar installation cost?

Accepted Answer

Solar installation costs vary by system size, equipment, and roof complexity. Residential systems in the DMV typically run $2.75-$3.25 per watt, putting an 8 kW system at roughly $22,000-$26,000 before incentives. The federal residential ITC (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025; current state and local incentives (MD MSAP grant up to $7,500 for income-eligible homeowners, MD/DC SREC income, MD property tax exemption, MCGB-subsidized financing in Montgomery County) can substantially reduce effective cost.

Question 3

How long does solar installation take?

Accepted Answer

The typical solar installation process takes 8-12 weeks from contract signing to system activation. This includes design (1-2 weeks), permitting (2-6 weeks), installation (1-3 days), and utility interconnection (1-4 weeks). We handle all paperwork and coordination.

Question 4

What financing options are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer cash purchase, solar loans, and solar leases/PPAs. Climate First Bank solar loans run 7.47-8.00% APR with terms of 10.5, 20.5, or 30.5 years. Montgomery County residents qualify for the MCGB-subsidized rate of 2.99% APR for the first 15 years on qualifying loans (income < $163,900, autopay required). Sungage Financial offers escalator-loan products like the Sungage Sunrise (launched January 2026).

Question 5

How much can I save with solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners save 50-70% on their electricity bills, which translates to $1,000-$2,000+ annually depending on system size and energy usage. Over 25 years, total electricity savings typically range from $35,000-$50,000. MD homeowners stack additional SREC income (15-year value $4,800-$10,800+ with the Brighter Tomorrow Act 1.5x multiplier on eligible new installs). Actual savings depend on your current energy costs, system size, financing structure, and available incentives.

Question 6

What happens during cloudy days or at night?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels still generate power on cloudy days, though at reduced capacity (10-25% of sunny day production). At night, you'll draw power from the grid or from a battery storage system if installed. Net metering credits you for excess daytime production, offsetting nighttime usage.

Question 7

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

Quality solar panels last 25-30+ years with minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing 80-85% output after 25 years. Inverters typically last 10-15 years and may need one replacement during the system's lifetime.

Question 8

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Rain naturally cleans most panels, though periodic cleaning (1-2 times per year) can boost efficiency in dusty areas. We recommend annual inspections to check connections and ensure optimal performance. Our monitoring systems alert you to any issues.

Question 9

What incentives are available for solar?

Accepted Answer

The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025. State and local programs are still strong: SRECs in MD and DC, property tax exemptions, MD's Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) grant for income-eligible households, DC's Solar for All program, and Virginia's sales/property tax exemptions. We help you identify and apply for every program you qualify for.

Question 10

Are there state or local incentives in DC and Maryland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maryland SRECs currently trade at $40-$60 per certificate (Flett Exchange / Currents) with a 1.5x multiplier on systems installed July 2024 - January 2028 under the Brighter Tomorrow Act. An 8 kW MD system generates 8-12 SRECs/year base. The Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) grants up to $7,500 for income-eligible homeowners (Aduu Solar is on MEA's official Participating Contractor list). MD also has a property tax exemption on solar value. Montgomery County residents get MCGB-subsidized financing at 2.99% APR for 15 years through Climate First Bank. DC SRECs trade much higher (2026 vintage ~$360-$440 SACP ceiling) and DC's Solar for All program provides solar at no cost for income-qualified households (administered by DOEE/DCSEU).

Question 11

What warranties come with solar installation?

Accepted Answer

You receive multiple warranties: 25-year panel performance warranty (80-85% output guarantee), 25-year inverter warranty for Enphase microinverters (12-25 years for SolarEdge string inverters), 10-year workmanship warranty on installation, and roof penetration warranty. We also provide ongoing monitoring and support throughout your system's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

System Performance

Incentives & Warranties

Still Have Questions?