Solar SME Maryland
Certified Solar Installation Company
Upgrade your home with tailored and affordable solar and backup solutions
Our Location
(214) 227-9736
Inflation is rising across the United States and electric bills are also increasing every year, it is worth it to go solar in Maryland with the best solar incentives and rebates to lower your upfront cost. Solar adoption is already at its peak in the state as 19% of electricity comes from solar. Thousands of homeowners and businesses are enjoying savings and earning with their solar panel systems. Solar SME is a Maryland-based certified solar installation company, helps homeowners to choose best solar panels for home in Maryland and backup solutions according to their energy needs. We are helping our valuable clients with competitive pricing, high-quality solar panels, equipment and flexible solar financing options.
How much can you save with Maryland solar installation?
The cost to install solar panels in Maryland varies with your unique energy needs, solar panels and equipment quality, and the type of system, etc. Homeowners in the state spend an average of $256 per month on energy. That equates to $3,072 per year, and it is 4% more than the national average electricity bill of $2,949. Maryland solar panel installation will typically break even in 11.09 years. An average home requires a 12.0-15.0kW solar panel system in Maryland to maximize savings based on the intensity and duration of sun hours in Maryland. Also, adding a solar battery storage will save you more, as you can send excess power to the grid and earn energy credits. Furthermore, with Maryland SREC Program, you can sell your credits to the utilities and earn from them.
$76,029
7 Years
84%
Solar Financing Options in Maryland
Solar panels installation in Maryland is a smart investment for your home or business. Although 30% federal tax credit expiry will increase the upfront cost, rising electricity rates, inflation, and climate-driven grid instability still make solar worth it in Maryland. There are 3 main financing options for using solar energy in MD includes:
Owning a solar panel system leads to highest long-term returns. There is no requirement of loan paperwork, interest calculations or lease payments. Also, no monthly payments after installation. Moreover, installing solar boost your home value by 7%-14% and you qualify for the federal and other solar incentives in Maryland.
If you want to have a solar system but not having much cash at the moment, solar loan financing is a good option for you. Instead of paying full upfront, you will make fixed monthly payments for 5-25 years while benefiting from instant energy savings. These payments are much more less than your utility bills. Also, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time this year, dropping the federal funds rate to 4.0% - 4.25%. The best part is that you will be qualified for available state tax incentives and rebates. The trusted solar installer in Maryland, like Solar SME, can help you to go solar with 0% APR option.
Solar lease is emerging as the best alternative to take advantage of solar power as the 30% FTC is expiring. With this option, you can utilize clean power and lower your high bills without any initial investment. You only require to pay a fixed monthly lease payment or per-kWh rate (PPA) for the solar energy produced by the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this rate is 10% to 30% lower than your electric bills. As you are not the owner, the federal tax credit and other solar incentives' expiry will not impact your savings. However, it is vital to choose your solar leasing plans wisely. Solar SME, the top solar provider in Maryland, offers the best solar lease options for making your solar journey affordable.
Best Residential Maryland Solar Incentives and Rebates
Maryland offers some of the best solar and battery incentives and local rebates in the country. As the electric rates are surging every day, going solar can result in substantial savings. Let’s have a look at the top solar programs in Maryland.
01- Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit, also known as the federal investment tax credit (ITC), can lower the cost of a solar panel system by 30%. This Maryland solar tax credit applies to the entire system, including equipment, labour, permits, and sales tax. However, on July 4, 2025, President Trump signed legislation that completely canceled the home solar tax credit beginning January 1, 2026, nearly a decade before its initial expiration date.
02- Maryland Solar Access Program
As part of the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024, this Maryland solar grant Program provides low and moderate-income homes with grants ranging from $750 per kW of installed capacity to $7,500. The aim is to make solar energy in Maryland more accessible by offering incentives on a first-come, first-served basis via a two-step process.
To apply, first submit an initial application to reserve funds, then confirm that your solar panel system is fully installed and functioning within 180 days following the fund reservation. Grants are only available for installation by MEA-approved solar company in Maryland like Solar SME. If the installation is not completed within the specified time range, you will not receive the allocated cash.
03- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) in Maryland
This program offers you 1 Maryland SREC for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean power your panels generate, which you may subsequently sell in the MD SREC market. Most solar owners use a broker to handle the complex element of selling SRECs to utility providers. The broker will compensate you immediately for the SRECs. In recent years, the market price for SRECs Maryland has been approximately $55. So, a 5 kW solar array that generates around 6 MWh per year, you may earn an additional $330 per year through MD SRECs.
04- Tax Exemption in Maryland
05- Battery Storage Incentives in Maryland
Maryland has announced a US$2 million initiative, Maryland Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant Program in the state. This solar program was introduced by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) for the first time, aiming to support more people in embracing clean power and backup storage options. The Maryland energy storage program grants are available for both residential and commercial solar sectors. Also, the third-party owner, like PPA companies, is also eligible for this state rebate. However, it is a first-come, first-served grant, so an application must be submitted and a Reservation Certificate issued by MEA before the battery storage system is installed. The state homeowners can get up to $5000, and businesses can get up to $150,000 from the RCES Program to help offset the cost of buying and setting up a grid-connected battery energy storage system on their property. The calculation of the grant awards varies based on whether the energy storage system is installed on a business or residential property.
Is net metering available in Maryland?
Commercial Solar Installation
Rebates in Maryland
Installing commercial solar system in Maryland is an effective way for businesses to combat all of the power challenges. Businesses can generate power using free and unlimited sunlight via commercial solar panels. Furthermore, using solar electricity combined with a reliable battery backup system like Tesla Powerwall 3 eliminates power disruptions. Hence, enabling smooth workflow and increased operational resiliency. Maryland also offers business solar incentives and tax credits, which are another compelling reason to switch to low-cost clean energy options.
You are also eligible for a 30% federal tax credit for commercial solar systems, like homeowners. Furthermore, Maryland Commercial Energy Grant Program helps to minimize the cost of solar panel systems in Maryland. Additionally, PACE Financing options are available for affordable business solar financing.
Commercial and Canopy Solar Program
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is now accepting applications for the FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program (CCSP), backed by up to $13 million in grants. The program supports rooftop, ground-mounted, and parking or water-body canopies, combining two prior grant initiatives. Applicants must be Maryland-based nonprofits, small businesses, veteran-owned entities, or organizations running eligible facilities. Parking facilities must be EV-ready, though adding EV chargers is optional. CCSP aims to expand access to solar in overburdened and low-to-moderate-income communities while advancing clean energy goals. Grants are allocated first-come, first-served, with a deadline of February 11, 2026.
Montgomery County Commercial Solar Power Purchase Agreement
The Montgomery County Commercial Solar Power Purchase Agreement (CSPPA) allows building owners to access solar energy with no upfront costs and without owning or maintaining the system. A third-party developer installs, finances, owns, and operates the solar PV system on the property, while the customer buys the electricity at a stable, often lower per-kWh rate through a long-term PPA. Businesses simply choose a participating contractor, confirm eligibility, and the developer manages installation, operation, and maintenance for the full contract term.
Why is it Worth it to Switch to Solar in Maryland?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects U.S. residential electricity prices to average 16.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2025, up 2% from last year. With reduced solar panel costs, rising bad weather conditions, and long power outages, solar continues to deliver major financial benefits in Maryland. Top reasons to switch to solar in MD include:
Low Electric
Bills
Maximum Grid Independence
Flexible Financing Options
Increased Home Value
Earn Energy Credits/SREC Programs
The best way to determine how to maximize your solar savings in Maryland is to consult with a local solar installer. Solar companies near you can guide you with the best solar solutions and incentives in your area and can help you to get the most out of your solar investment.
Calculate your Solar Savings with Solar SME Smart Solar Calculator NOW!
Step 1:
Property Type
Step 2:
Financing Options
Step 3:
Enter Your Current Electric
Bill & System Preferences
Our Customers are Getting Up to 90% Lower Electric Bills with
Solar SME Tailored Solar Solutions
Thousands of happy customers are saving with Solar SME customized solar energy systems in Maryland. We are proud to hold a positive image in solar marketplaces like Energysage. Moreover, we are accredited with the BBB. Our valuable clients recommend Solar SME for exceptional solar installation services in Maryland.
City: Frederick
System Size: 12kWh
Annual Savings: $5000
City: Annapolis
System Size: 18kWh
Annual Savings: $9000
City: Rockville
System Size: 22kWh
Annual Savings: $13000
City: Hagerstown
System Size: 10kWh
Annual Savings: $3000
City: Towson
System Size: 14kW
Annual Savings: $6000
City: Waldorf
System Size: 20kWh
Annual Savings: $10000
Frequently Asked Questions
The majority of Maryland residents believe that solar is a wise investment, especially because of the state's solar-friendly laws and Maryland solar rebates like SRECs, FTC that significantly lower the cost of solar panel installation while also lowering utility costs.
There are several ways to pay for solar panels in Maryland. You will receive the long-term bill savings if you pay with cash. You can obtain a personal loan if you have not much cash. Also, some companies provide power purchase agreements or solar leases with no up-front. But when you sign a lease or PPA, you don't actually own the solar panels, so you can't directly benefit from incentives like the federal tax credit. Even once the Maryland tax credit for solar panels expire, third-party operated systems continue to reduce your electricity costs and are a wise choice.
Apart from 30% federal tax credit which is the best opportunity to reduce your solar cost, Maryland solar program like SRECs are also available. You can sell them and earn with your solar energy system in Maryland.
The incentives that are currently available to Maryland residents absolutely make solar worthwhile. If electricity prices continue to rise at historical rates, we estimate that a Maryland solar installation will pay back its initial cost in just under 10 years. Furthermore, the new Maryland Solar Access Program will accelerate that payback time, at least for people who qualify under the 150% AMI income cap.
Solar SME is a certified solar installer in Maryland offering top solar panels and backup storage solutions at a competitive price. We offer industry leading warranties and flexible financing option for making solar affordable. As a NABCEP solar installation company, we ensure to compliance with NEC solar code 2023 for a safe solar energy system.