Maryland solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

Last updated 12.01.21

Maryland State 54 solar panels available

  • $2.14 / W Average gross price of a solar power system as of May 2023
  • 9 years Average system payback period
  • $54 789 Average savings from going solar in Maryland
  • 7 ¢ / kWh Levelized cost of solar energy
  • 6.28 kW Recommended system size

Benefit from a PV system
in Maryland

Solar panels in Maryland

Maryland #28 in the US
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What our happy customers say

I was in need of new solar panels and found A1 SolarStore while surfing the web. I ordered 13 pieces of REC 360W solar panels at a fairly reasonable price, and also ordered their liftgate service at checkout. everything was very easy and intuitive. I highly recommend A1 SolarStore!
Jesse Tang
Via Google
May 22, 2023
I recently purchased 10 pieces of Q CELLS 480W Solar Panels from A1 SolarStore. The site was incredibly easy to navigate and I found exactly what I wanted without any trouble. They had different payment options, which was great for me. Now I'm just counting down the days until my panels arrive. Overall, I will definitely be buying from them again.
Steve L
Via Google
May 22, 2023
Store was well organized, staff was super friendly and shipping was speedy.
Karen
Via Google
May 16, 2023
I have been looking for affordable, quality solar panels for a while! After some research I decided to purchase the Trina 390w solar panels. I loved the price and the customer service & decided to buy with a1solarstore. Even though there was a $275 shipping fee. Was worth it to me to receive the quality product in once piece. Payment processing took a while & could have gone faster - however, totally worth the wait!
Kara J
Via Google
May 9, 2023
The customer service at A1 solar is nothing short of amazing. A person can buy their equipment anywhere and receive that equipment with no support following whatsoever. A1 solar was with me all the way through the purchase process, the acquiring my panels at a distribution center, and finally giving me a discount for the pallet breakage charge because the pallet was already broken up. No other Solar company has given me such excellent customer service. Add that the prices are lower if not similar than the rest, buying from A1 solar is a real no brainer. I am very grateful and lucky to have found them!
Robert Sullivan
Via Google
Apr 27, 2023
The Silfab 490W Solar Panel (156 Cell SIL-490-HN) exceeded my expectations with its exceptional power output and sleek design. Its efficient monocrystalline cells make it a reliable and smart investment for any home. Highly recommended!
M
Via Google
Apr 25, 2023

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Solar laws, incentives and rebates in Maryland you need to know

Save 30% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit

The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.

Sell excess electricity with Net Metering Program

Solar laws in Maryland allow customers of all utilities to join Net Metering programs. Hence, residential solar owners have an option to send the excess electricity back to the grid instead of storing it with battery banks. When you sell your solar power to the utility, you receive credits that can be used to offset your next bills. In Maryland their value is equal to full retail electricity price. If you have unused credits after a 12-month period ending in April, they will be bought from you at commodity energy supply rates.

Save additional $300 to $1,000 a year trading SRECs

Solar Renewable Energy Credits are certificates granted to any person or entity upon generation of each MWh of clean electricity. Unlike with Net Metering, you don’t need to sell any electricity to get credits. The value of SRECs is always changing, which makes them similar to stock market assets. Based on the available data, selling SRECs could mean anywhere from $300 to $1,000 annually for a 10 kW solar system. To participate, you have to apply for certification from the Maryland Public Service Commission. After that, you can create a SREC account with the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) to begin storing and selling your credits.

Save additional $1,000 with Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program

The rebate program managed by Maryland Energy Administration provides a flat $1,000 incentive to residential property owners who install solar PV systems. The installer must be certified by NABCEP and can only work with new solar equipment. The system has to meet all applicable standards. You can only claim the incentive for your primary residence.

After the installation is completed, you will have 12 months to submit the application. Together with the form you will have to submit the invoice, copies of inspection results, a picture of the installed system and historical screening documents.

Freeze your property tax with Property Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems

A solar PV system installed in a home increases its value by about 4%, says 2019 Zillow report. In Maryland this increase doesn’t come with associated higher taxes. According to the state laws, 100% of the value added as a result of a solar PV system installation may not be included among taxable property. The law applies to all structures and includes both state and local taxes.

Protect your solar panels from shade with Solar Easements

A solar easement contract is a written agreement between you and another party, for example, your neighbor. This type of contract helps to ensure a stable supply of sunlight for your PV system for years to come. A solar easement protects your panels from potential impairments, such as vegetation and structures. It is voluntary and must contain the description of protected space, a list of restrictions and a clause on revision or termination of the contract. Once signed, it is tied to the land, not the owner. Any such agreement must be created in written form and must meet the general requirements for legal contracts.

Install your solar panels in Maryland with no worries

It is legal to install solar panels on your house in Maryland. Solar rights law makes it unlawful to prohibit or unreasonably restrict installation of solar PV systems. Homeowners associations (HOAs) are not an exception and must also comply with the law. However, you must own or have exclusive rights over the building’s outer walls or roof. Keep in mind that this law has no power over properties with historic value. You can check a particular building via the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties or the Maryland Register of Historic Properties.

Solar panels help Maryland survive hurricanes

Maryland is among the 20 states that hurricanes target most often. Your PV modules are well equipped to face most hurricanes, and that’s good news in case of a power outage. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel left more than a million homes in Maryland without power. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that dangerous weather events like this will become more frequent and powerful, making solar power even more attractive.

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