Maryland solar panels: The complete guide in 2024
Data updated Oct 15, 2024
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 12.9 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Maryland, which will cost you about $24,757 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Maryland
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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- Overview
- Solar cost
- Incentives
- Electricity cost
- Companies
Going solar in Maryland
Maryland offers some of the most robust solar incentives nationwide, including substantial rebates, tax exemptions, and net metering. Mix in its relatively high electricity costs and you can't afford not to go solar in Maryland.
Here's what you should know about getting solar panels in the Old Line State.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Maryland?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Maryland homeowner needs a 12.9 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $35,367 before incentives. Prices range from $30,062 to $40,672, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
But that’s not all––Maryland also offers great local incentives and net metering, which translate to big savings over time. That's why over 22,000 Maryland homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 8.04 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Allows you to retain ownership of your system, while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal: If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options – private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These generally provide the lowest savings and generate the most negative press about solar. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.
Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Maryland?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Maryland. Here are the major ones to know about:
Incentive | Average savings in Maryland | Description |
---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $10,610 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Maryland Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program | $1,000 | A cash rebate for installing solar panels |
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | $330 | Clean-energy credits that you can sell for cash |
Maryland solar property tax exemption | Maryland’s typical property tax is 1.05% | In certain counties, exempt from paying property taxes on the value added by solar panels. |
Is net metering available in Maryland?
In some states, you'll earn bill credits from your utility company when your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels.
All Maryland utility companies offer net metering. Just a few details to note:
Credits are measured in kWh, not dollars.
While installing solar panels may eliminate electricity costs, you'll still be responsible for monthly cash payments for any fixed fees, such as meter connection costs.
Excess credits can be cashed out or carried forward indefinitely.
Explore net metering in Maryland in more detail or check out the specific programs below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Each year, solar panels get more and more efficient—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2024, the most popular solar panels can produce about 400 watts of electricity when they’re in full sunlight. If you want to make the most of your roof’s solar potential, get panels with at least that much power output.
You should also make sure to select a solar inverter setup that makes sense for your roof’s layout.
And if you want or need a solar battery, be sure to pick one that can integrate cleanly with that inverter.
Premium equipment can come with a high price tag, but it will often save you more money in the long run. The best equipment tends to have the best warranty terms, often guaranteed to 25 years (sometimes even 40!), so you’re covered in case you need repairs or replacements. The highest-quality panels also degrade more slowly, so they’ll maintain more of their power output further into the future.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Maryland?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Maryland:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
resources
Top solar resources for Maryland
- Maryland Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Community Solar farms in Maryland
Can't install solar on your roof? Check out local solar farms to save money.
- Maryland Energy Administration
Stay up-to-date with renewable energy initiatives throughout MD.
- Maryland Public Service Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in MD.
- Maryland Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about MD energy production and prices.
- MD State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in MD.
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