Maryland solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.