A Maryland homeowner interested in rooftop solar turned to Reddit's r/Solar forum with a blunt concern: How do you find a reputable installer when you keep seeing shady characters getting hired by solar companies?

The search was focused on Frederick, Maryland, where the homeowner said they wanted real recommendations and a way to avoid the kind of salesperson or contractor represented by someone they know who keeps turning up at solar companies.

Here's what to know

The concern sharpened after the homeowner looked into a specific installer in their area. In the Reddit post, the resident asked for input after researching a company that appeared to have been in business for 13 years, but then hesitated after seeing negative online reports.

The original poster wrote, "There are reviews on this subreddit saying the company went drastically downhill as of about a year ago. Any updates on them?"

OP added, "I know a con artist-type guy whose friends are constantly starting solar businesses and employing him," before asking, "Who are the trusted professionals I should call in the Frederick area of Maryland? And what are some guidelines I should look for to know who to trust?" 

In response, commenters noted that a company's age can be misleading if ownership or management changed after an acquisition. Several gave company recommendations, and one commenter wrote, "the 13 years in business thing doesn't mean much when the company got bought out or changed management." Another added, "Suggest you not rely on Reddit as a substitute for doing your homework."

A third suggested, "I would wait until early next year… There is an extremely good chance (not 100%) the solar incentives will be back in 2027."

What can be done?

The thread highlights a basic problem in local solar shopping: a company's reputation can shift faster than its branding.

For shoppers trying to screen out the kind of operator the OP feared, the main lesson was to rely on fresh local feedback and not treat "13 years" in business as a guarantee that the current service is still solid.

For homeowners weighing similar decisions, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. If you're comparing installers instead of relying on one sales pitch, trying EnergySage can help you get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.

With EnergySage, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. For homeowners trying to separate strong installers from shaky ones, that side-by-side visibility can add both savings and confidence.

Homeowners can also use EnergySage's solar map, which shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state basis, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state. 

And for residents thinking beyond panels alone, adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners can also explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.

Where can I learn more?

For anyone sorting through solar installers, these stories offer more on how to spot red flags and avoid bad actors. 

• Industry insiders warn that frauds can cost you tens of thousands during a home solar upgrade.

• A new homeowner flooded with predatory calls asked how to find a company that's actually legit.

• After customer service horror stories, one homeowner learned how to upgrade to solar without getting ripped off.

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