Choosing the best solar installation company for your needs isn’t just about getting a reasonable price—it can also make a huge difference in your yearly savings, energy efficiency, and safety. Solar is a long-term investment, so it’s important to pick a company that’s going to be there for you every step of the way. If you want to transition to clean energy while avoiding the notorious pitfalls of subpar solar providers, keep reading to find the Delmarva solar installer that’s best for you.
What to Look for When Choosing a Solar Installer in Delmarva
If you’re unsure of where to start your search for a solar company, here are some of the top factors to consider when shopping for the best solar installers in Delmarva:
Experience
Look for companies with a solid track record in your specific type of solar installation, whether it’s residential, agricultural, or commercial solar. If a company has installed thousands of residential home solar systems but has never installed one for a farm before, they’re not a good fit for your agricultural solar installation, no matter how impressive their residential solar installations are.
You also want to ensure the company you partner with has a dedicated solar maintenance & support team that can monitor your solar investment, conduct periodic system check-ups, and quickly mobilize to resolve issues and warranty work if needed. Many solar companies focus on installing systems and don’t employ dedicated service technicians.
Certifications
The best solar installers in Delmarva will hold relevant certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). While it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker if your installer isn’t certified, it can weed out some of the lesser-qualified installers in your area.
Warranties
Before hiring a solar company, ask about their warranties on products (typically 20–25 years), system performance (varies), and installation workmanship (usually 1–10 years). A strong warranty shows the company stands behind its products and services.
Warning: Some companies have hidden solar warranty details that could end up costing you, so be sure to read the fine print before jumping into a contract.
Financing
Reputable installers will understand the available options for financing solar systems—including loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs)—and help facilitate customers to third parties that offer these options. A good installer will clearly explain the pros and cons of each method to help you choose the one that best fits your energy goals and budget.
Word of caution: You won’t receive tax incentives if you choose to enter into a PPA or lease, so be sure to weigh both the short-term and long-term benefits of each option before signing.
Customer Reviews
Reviewing online reviews is one of the best ways to get an honest opinion on a company. Before you buy, read as many testimonials from past customers as you can—both the good and the bad. If you see a lot of red flags just by skimming through a few Google reviews or on industry review sites, like solarreviews.com, it’s best to steer clear.
Local Knowledge
An installer that’s familiar with your area will understand local permitting rules, electrical codes, and weather conditions, which can help avoid faulty installation. Solar requirements can vary by state or even by county, so when in doubt, it’s best to go with a local installer who knows the ins and outs of your town.
The 5 Best Solar Installers in Delmarva
Researching solar companies can be a lengthy process, but it’s worth the effort to find one that suits your needs. To help give you a head start, here are some of the best solar installers in Delmarva:
Clean Energy USA
Clean Energy USA is based in Rehoboth Beach, DE, and although it only operates within its own state lines, it boasts an impressive 18 years of experience. It also offers commercial EV charging services, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious businesses. Clean Energy USA:
- Offers installation & maintenance services for residential, commercial, and non-profit
- Has 4.8 stars on Google with 116 reviews
- Has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Has 3.75 stars on SolarReviews
Green Street Solar
Green Street Solar, based in Selbyville, DE, ranks among the top Delaware solar installers on our list. It’s also the only provider on our list to offer a 10-to 20-year residential leasing option with fixed monthly payments, making it a perfect choice for homeowners who want to avoid the up-front costs of solar. Green Street Solar:
- Operates in Maryland and Delaware
- Offers residential, commercial, and nonprofit solar installations
- Has 4.9 stars on Google with 146 reviews
- Has 4.76 stars on SolarReviews
- Has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- They do not promote maintenance services on their website
Paradise Energy Solutions
Paradise Energy Solutions is headquartered in Lancaster County, PA, and has seven branch offices across six states, including a local brand in Salisbury, MD, making it one of the most widespread solar installers on the Eastern Shore.
Instead of just offering a warranty for solar panels and installation, Paradise offers a Triple Ten Guarantee, which covers solar production for 10 years, production tracking for 10 years, and workmanship for 10 years, in addition to a 25- to 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on most products. Paradise Energy Solutions:
- Has 4.86 stars on SolarReviews
- Serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio
- Offers agricultural, residential, non-profit, and commercial solar installation
- Offers solar panel maintenance for grid-tied PV solar systems, solar battery systems, smart electrical panels, and EV chargers.
- Has a 5.0-star rating on Google with 89 reviews for their Salisbury, MD branch
Solair Green Energy Advisors
Solair Green Energy Advisors has offices in Selbyville, DE, and Ocean City, MD, giving them a prime location for serving Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Solair is one of the few companies on our list that specializes in government solar services, offering expertise in public sector requirements for schools, hospitals, government offices, and more. Solair Green Energy Advisors:
- Offers commercial, agricultural, residential, and government / non-profit solar services
- Has 4.4 stars on Google (but only seven reviews)
- Offers maintenance and customer support after installation
Sunrise Solar
Hailing from Chestertown, MD, Sunrise Solar is one of the best Maryland solar installers on our list. Aside from working directly with customers, Sunrise also acts as a subcontractor for governments, municipalities, businesses, developers, and more—taking on a wider range of projects than most competitors. Sunrise Solar:
- Offers agricultural, residential, commercial, and community solar services
- Has 5.0 stars on Google (but only 21 reviews)
- Serves Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
- Has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Offers operations and management services
Comparing the Best Solar Installers in Delmarva
Researching solar providers can be overwhelming, but seeing all the options side by side can help you narrow your search. Use the table below to get an overview of the best solar installers in Delmarva.
| Company | Years in Business | Service Area | Warranties |
| Clean Energy USA | 18 | DE | Unknown |
| Green Street Solar | 17 | DE, MD | Unknown |
| Paradise Energy Solutions | 16 | DE, MD, PA, OH, VA, WV, and NY | 10-year production guarantee 10-year workmanship warranty |
| Solair Solar | 10 | DE, ND, NJ, PA | Unknown |
| Sunrise Solar | 14 | DE, MD, PA, VA | Unknown |
Questions to Ask Delmarva Solar Installers
Hiring a solar installer is a big commitment, and before you do so, it’s best to get as much information as you can. Here are some of the most important questions to ask before signing a contract:
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Some licensing requirements vary by region, so it’s important to ensure your installer has the appropriate licenses for solar work in your state (such as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license or an Electrical Contractor’s license). The best solar installers should also carry general liability insurance to protect you and/or your company from potential damages or legal issues during installation.
2. What Kind of Products Do You Use?
Not all solar panels and inverters are created equal, so be sure to ask installers about the brands they use. A reliable installer should be transparent about why they’ve chosen specific brands to work with, and how those products compare to the competition.
3. What Warranties Do You Offer?
There are three main types of warranties to ask about:
- Product Warranties: These cover the solar panels and components; however, there are always exclusions, so be sure to review the fine print.
- Performance warranties: These guarantee a specific level of energy output, ensuring your system doesn’t underperform, even after years of use.
- Workmanship warranties: These protect buyers from problems that arise from faulty installation, such as electrical issues or roof damage.
Not every company will offer all three, so make sure you understand your warranty duration and any exclusions before signing a deal.
4. Do You Handle All the Permits and Paperwork?
A full-service installer should handle all permits, inspections, and utility paperwork for grants, grid connection, and net metering agreements. However, if you are responsible for any paperwork, your installer should let you know up front so you’re not blindsided later on.
5. What Will My System’s Estimated Output Be?
Your solar provider should be able to provide you with a clear idea of how much energy your system is expected to produce annually and how that compares to your current usage. If they can’t, then that’s a red flag.
6. What Financing Options Do You Offer?
Ask about the available payment methods: cash purchase, loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA). The best solar companies won’t suggest anything that’s not in your best interest, so be wary of any sales reps who don’t push you toward a financial decision that you’re uncomfortable with.
7. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
A trustworthy company should be willing and eager to provide you with customer references or point you to verified online reviews. If they decline, that’s a sign that their service may not be as impressive as they made it seem.
Next Steps for Hiring Your Solar Installer in Delmarva
Once you’ve researched local solar installers in the Eastern Shore area, it’s best to learn as much as you can about the solar industry before getting quotes. Talk with sales reps about anything you’re unsure about —whether it’s solar tax credit changes, clarifying technical jargon, or your yearly energy usage —BEFORE you ask for a bottom-line price.
Then, when you’re ready, start getting quotes from at least three companies. Don’t say yes to any company until you have all the information in front of you and can compare the options. This gives you more leverage to negotiate and ask follow-up questions about the installation costs.
The Paradise Energy team would welcome the opportunity to be one of the solar companies you evaluate. If you’re ready to see what a solar investment from Paradise Energy could look like for you, use our solar price and savings estimator for a ballpark estimate for your installation. Then request your free custom quote to get exact numbers. Use the button below to get started.
