Maryland Solar Calculator
Estimate your solar savings in Maryland with state-specific net metering, SREC market, and incentive data for 2026.
DISCLAIMER: All estimates are approximations based on regional averages. Actual savings vary by location, roof orientation, utility provider, and installer. This calculator does not guarantee specific savings.
Electricity rates last updated: August 2026 (source: EIA)
Maryland Solar Calculator 2026
Maryland offers one of the strongest solar incentive stacks in the mid-Atlantic — full retail-rate net metering, an active SREC market, sales tax exemption, and property tax protection. But a key deadline is approaching: 2026 Maryland legislation (Senate Bill 843) schedules the end of today's 1:1 net metering by July 1, 2027 or when statewide installed solar capacity reaches 3 GW, whichever comes first.
Estimate Your Solar Savings
Find out how much you can save based on your location and current energy usage.
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D)
This credit expired December 31, 2025 and is not available for systems installed in 2026 or later.
The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) applied to solar and battery storage systems placed in service through December 31, 2025. Systems installed in 2026 or later do not qualify. Many online calculators and contractor quotes still include this credit — be sure any estimate you receive reflects current law. The commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC, Section 48) has different rules and may still apply to certain business or commercial installations.
Net Metering — Full Retail Rate, With a 2027 Deadline
Under Maryland Code, Public Utilities Article § 7-306, all five Maryland utilities — BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, and SMECO — must credit solar customers at the full retail electricity rate for excess generation sent to the grid. Credits roll forward month to month indefinitely (a meaningful recent improvement that ended forced annual cash-outs at the low avoided-cost rate).
Time-Sensitive: Senate Bill 843 Net Metering Transition
Maryland's 2026 Senate Bill 843 sets an end date for today's full 1:1 retail net metering: July 1, 2027, or when Maryland's cumulative installed solar capacity reaches 3 GW — whichever comes first. A successor compensation program is still being designed by regulators, and it is unlikely to offer the same full retail-rate credit. If Maryland's solar build-out accelerates, the 3 GW threshold could trigger the change before July 2027. Confirm current program status with the Maryland Public Service Commission before signing a solar contract.
Utility
BGE (Baltimore area)
Pepco (DC suburbs)
Delmarva Power (Eastern Shore)
Potomac Edison (Western MD)
SMECO (Southern MD co-op)
Net Metering Rate
Full retail rate (current law)
Full retail rate (current law)
Full retail rate (current law)
Full retail rate (current law)
Full retail rate (current law)
Maryland SREC Market — Additional Income Stream
Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) creates a mandatory market for Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). You earn one SREC per megawatt-hour (1,000 kWh) of electricity your system produces — completely separate from your net metering credits. SRECs can be sold to utilities and other parties who need them to meet RPS solar carve-out requirements.
SREC Prices Are Market-Driven — Confirm Before Modeling
Historically, Maryland SREC prices have ranged roughly $40 to $80 per certificate. For a typical 8–10 kW system producing 9,000–11,000 kWh/year, that's roughly 9–11 SRECs annually — potentially $360–$880/year in additional income. However, SREC prices fluctuate with supply and demand and are not guaranteed. Check current Maryland SREC prices through a licensed aggregator before factoring this into your payback estimate.
Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) — FY26 Closed
FY26 MSAP Funding Fully Exhausted — Do Not Count On This Grant Now
As of August 2026, the MSAP FY26 application portal is closed to new applications. Funding requests exceeded the program's $12 million FY26 budget. The grant has historically offered $750 per kW of installed DC capacity (up to $7,500 for a typical home system), but it is not available for new applications in the current cycle. A FY27 program was anticipated for summer 2026 — but availability, funding amounts, and application windows have not been confirmed. Check the Maryland Energy Administration's website directly for current FY27 availability.
Sales Tax & Property Tax Exemptions — Active
6% Sales Tax Exemption
Maryland exempts solar energy equipment from its 6% state sales tax. On a $20,000–$30,000 system, that's $1,200–$1,800 in immediate savings at the point of purchase. This exemption is active and ongoing.
Property Tax Assessment Exemption
Maryland separately exempts solar energy systems from increasing your home's property tax assessment. Even if solar adds real market value to your home, it will not raise your property tax bill. This exemption is active and ongoing, independent of MSAP grant status.
Maryland Electricity Rates & Solar Resource
Electricity Rates (Mid-2026)
Maryland residential rates have risen sharply — roughly 21–22 cents/kWh as of mid-2026, up approximately 17% year-over-year and above the national average. Higher rates mean each kWh your solar system offsets is worth more in savings. These figures are approximate and change regularly; confirm your current rate on your utility bill or by contacting BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, or SMECO directly.
Peak Sun Hours
Maryland averages roughly 4.5 peak sun hours per day — generally favorable for solar. Western Maryland (Allegany, Garrett counties) runs slightly lower due to ridge and mountain terrain; coastal and Eastern Shore areas run slightly higher. These are approximate regional figures. Your installer can provide a site-specific production estimate using PVWatts or similar tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about solar incentives, costs, and savings.
This page provides general information about Maryland solar incentives and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Net metering rates, SREC prices, MSAP grant availability, and electricity rates change frequently. Confirm current figures directly with BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, SMECO, the Maryland Energy Administration (energy.maryland.gov), or the Maryland Public Service Commission (mdpsc.maryland.gov) before making installation decisions.
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and does not apply to systems installed in 2026 or later.