What’s truly distinctive about SolarCity, however, is its connection to visionary businessman Elon Musk. In addition to serving as the Chairman of SolarCity, Musk is CEO and founder of electric car company Tesla, Inc. Tesla purchased SolarCity in late 2016, making it a go-to choice for consumers interested in a fully solar solution that includes solar generation, battery storage, car charging, and real-time mobile monitoring. In addition to the latest technology, SolarCity also provides top-notch service through its NABCEP-certified project managers and supervisors.

SolarCity can be reached through its website at solarcity.com, or by phone at (888) 765-2489.

Sunrun knows transitioning to solar power can be expensive and thus features professionals who can help interested individuals find as many federal and state rebates and tax incentives as possible. The firm additionally has many different payment plans including ones with no money down and locked in rates so they don’t increase over time.

Sunrun can be reached through its website at https://www.sunrun.com/ or its phone number 1-844-321-6937.

Vivint plans to go beyond basic solar services, however—it’s partnering with sister company Vivint Smart Home to offer customers a comprehensive energy solution that includes remote control of smart devices like thermostats and security sensors.

Vivint built its success by relying on in-house staff, offering a 20-year warranty, and maintaining an overall commitment to quality. While “going smart” will likely expand its customer base, homeowners can already use Vivint technology to monitor system production and home energy consumption on the Internet, or via their mobile phones.

Vivint Solar has an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau. It can be reached through its website at vivintsolar.com, or by phone at (877) 404-4129.

The firm also won the Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2015, as well as a Guildmaster Award for Service Excellence. Prospective clients are surprised to learn they can contact one of thousands of customers at random to get an objective review.

Solar Energy World installs industry-leading American and German panels manufactured by Schüco and SunPower, and doesn’t hire subcontractors. Its team of installers is supervised by NABCEP-certified solar professionals, as well as licensed master electricians. Customers can pay through an outright purchase, loan, or PPA.

Based in Elkridge, it claims to be the only solar company in Maryland whose headquarters run entirely on solar installed by its own staff. The firm is an ENERGY STAR partner and a member of the Howard County Green Business Council.

Solar Energy World can be contacted through its website at solarenergyworld.com, or by phone at (866) 856-4580.

American Sentry Solar understands that the transition to green energy can be difficult for people to afford and provides interested individuals with several different payment options. People can work with the company to find rebates and tax incentives, or they can register for loans and payment plans.

The company works with residents throughout Maryland.

American Sentry Solar can be reached through its website at http://www.americansentrysolar.com/ or its phone number 410-557-0555.

The firm’s installers attach micro-electronics to each solar panel to boost system production, rather than relying on centralized inverters. It offers a 20-year workmanship warranty, manufacturer warranties spanning 12-25 years, a 20-year production guarantee, and real-time system monitoring over the Internet.

Direct Energy Solar can be reached through its website at directenergysolar.com, or by phone at (800) 903-6130.

The company supports local communities by hiring and training workers from nearby areas. Its project managers are certified by NABCEP and other industry associations.

As a premier dealer of American-made SunPower panels, EDGE installs solar equipment that holds the industry record for conversion efficiency. EDGE is accredited by BPI, an organization that sets technical standards for home performance. BPI-accredited contractors are required to test each job on an annual basis, and report results to the owner, utility, or U.S. Department of Energy.

In addition to SunPower’s 25-year warranty, EDGE offers a 10-year warranty for the installation work, a 10 year power production guarantee, and a two-year workmanship warranty on all roofing repairs and replacements. Customers have access to 24/7 support.

EDGE has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and a #2 ranking for job performance and customer service in Maryland at http://www.mdhomeperformance.org.

EDGE Energy can be reached through its website at edge-gogreen.com, or by phone at (888) 976-8640.

Customers who choose REC get top-quality, American-made SolarWorld panels. While REC hasn’t developed its own monitoring software, it hooks customers up with a third-party service so they can check system output on a PC, tablet, or smartphone. The company provides support in the form of ongoing inspections, maintenance, and service.

REC claims that the capacity it has installed so far has prevented nearly 100,000 pounds of coal from being burned. It uses efficient lighting in its warehouse and consolidates shipments to reduce its own emissions. It supports the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the ASPCA, Heifer International, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and other nonprofits. While REC isn’t currently rated by the Better Business Bureau, it’s a member of the American Solar Energy Society and Maryland’s Green Registry.

Renewable Energy Corporation can be reached through its website at renewableenergysolar.net, or by phone at (410) 449-5270.

Aurora has three NABCEP-certified solar professionals on staff. It’s also an Elite Dealer of SunPower products. SunPower solar panels are manufactured in the United States, and hold the industry record for efficiency. Aurora complements the panels with its StorEdge battery system, which releases excess solar power overnight and during grid outages.

Installation takes approximately 2-3 days, depending on system size. Afterwards, customers have access to the SolarEdge monitoring system, which displays data on power generation, home energy consumption, and battery status through an online dashboard.

Based in Columbia, Aurora Energy serves customers in Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Talbot Counties in Maryland. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Aurora Energy can be reached through its website at aurorasolarenergy.com, or by phone at (410) 505-4848.

Love’s is an approved dealer of Solar Panels Plus hot water and pool heating equipment. It installs the products, and also sells them for DIY projects. The solar water heater is maintenance free, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

The firm also offers radiant floor heating, thermostat upgrades, humidifiers, maintenance, and round-the-clock emergency service. While Love’s will make calls beyond its core service area, it may charge additional fees.

Employees have more than 20 years of combined experience in HVAC contracting. The company has been serving residential and commercial customers in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties since 2002.

Love's Heating & Air can be contacted through its website at lovesheatingandair.com, or by phone at (410) 551-1376.