Maryland Solar Panels
Pricing & Installation Data

Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Maryland.

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Solar Panels in Maryland

Maryland is actively fostering the growth of solar energy. As all part of their ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard target of 50% renewable energy by 2030, the state has taken on several large projects. The Great Bay Solar 1 and Todd Solar, have significantly boosted their solar capacity.

The state has seen notable growth in the solar sector, ranking 19th nationally, with investments amounting to $4.4 billion.

Cost of Solar in Maryland

The average price for a home solar panel system in Maryland is $18,780 for a 6kW system or about $3.13 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.

Average Cost
6 kW System
Average Cost
10 kW System
Estimated
Tax Credit
(10 kW System)
Average
Cost/Watt
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Maryland$17,760$29,600$8,880$2.96
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Most Costly State(Michigan)$22,680$37,800$11,340$3.78
Least Costly State(Arizona)$14,640$24,400$7,320$2.44

Costs by Solar System Size in Maryland

For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.

I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.

System SizeSystem CostCost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$14,800$8,785
6 kW$17,760$10,542
7 kW$20,720$12,299
8 kW$23,680$14,056
10 kW$29,600$17,570

Pros and Cons of Solar in Maryland

Unfortunately, even solar isn’t perfect. We want you to make the best decision for you. So, we have collected some pros and cons associated with installing solar in your home state. We suggest weighing everything!

Opinions matter and how you interpret one con, may outweigh all the other pros. Our goal is to present the most common prone and cons to let you make up your own mind.

Maryland Solar Pros

  • Reduce or eliminate electric bills
  • Energy independence from the grid
  • Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Statewide net metering
  • Statewide income tax credit
  • Increase home value (4.1% on average)
  • Maryland ranks 18th nationally in solar in the U.S. in Q1 2023

Maryland Solar Cons

  • Not viable for all roofs or homes
  • Installation costs
  • Financial liability
  • Not the sunniest state

EnergyBot's Take

While Maryland is not the sunniest state, it certainly does have incentives in place that could make it more financially viable for some. 

If your roof requires additional support to hold the solar system, the solar system could easily not make financial sense. Also ensure that your home receives adequate sunshine, free of shade, and ideally faces south. 

While it could make more sense for some, Maryland is a state where other factors could strongly sway the needle in one direction or the other. Because of this, we strongly recommend talking with a local solar installer to get an estimate. 

If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.

Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels in Maryland

There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Maryland. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.

Cash Purchase

The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Solar Loan

The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.

This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."

Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.

Solar Lease

Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.

Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:

  • Renew your lease agreement
  • Purchase the system
  • End your lease agreement

Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.

Power Purchase Agreements

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.

Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.

Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.

Maryland Solar Incentives

In addition to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. The state offers a Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) program where you can earn around $50 for every 1000 kWh of energy generated by your solar panels, selling these credits to electricity suppliers to help them meet the state's renewable portfolio standards. Additionally, the state provides a 100% sales tax exemption on solar equipment and a property tax exemption on the added value to your home from installing a renewable energy system.

But that’s not all!

This table shows the available incentives in Maryland. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.

Name State Category Type
Maryland Solar Easements & Rights Laws MD Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Access Policy
Clean Energy Incentive Act (Personal Credit) MD Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Sales Tax Exemption - Fuel Cells MD Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
EV and Hybrid Sales Tax Exemption MD Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Wood Heating Fuel Exemption MD Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
State Agency Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure MD Regulatory Policy Generation Disclosure
Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Local Option - Property Tax Credit for Renewables and Energy Conservation Devices MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Maryland - Life Cycle Cost Analysis Standards MD Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Net Metering MD Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Montgomery County - Clean Energy Rewards Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Montgomery County - Green Power Purchasing MD Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Prince George's County - Green Power Purchasing MD Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Clean Energy Procurement MD Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Income Tax Credit for Green Buildings (Corporate) MD Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Income Tax Credit for Green Buildings (Personal) MD Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Interconnection Standards MD Regulatory Policy Interconnection
Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard MD Regulatory Policy Renewables Portfolio Standard
Maryland Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards MD Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (Corporate) MD Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Building Energy Code MD Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Clean Energy Production Tax Credit (Personal) MD Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Energy Conservation in State Buildings MD Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
SMECO - Energy Star Home Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Energy Savings in Capital Projects MD Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Residential/Community Wind Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Howard County - Residential Solar and Geothermal Property Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Rural Business Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Anne Arundel County - Solar and Geothermal Equipment Property Tax Credits MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment MD Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
High Performance Buildings in Capital Projects MD Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Prince George's County - Solar and Geothermal Residential Property Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Bio-Heating Oil Tax Credit (Personal) MD Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Bio-Heating Oil Tax Credit (Corporate) MD Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Montgomery County - High Performance Building Property Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Electric) - Commercial Energy Efficiency Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Maryland Clean Energy Program (Local Option) MD Financial Incentive PACE Financing
Howard County - High Performance and Green Building Property Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
SMECO - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
PEPCO - Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Incentives Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Delmarva Power - Commercial and Industrial Energy Savings Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Delmarva Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Commercial Clean Energy Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Energy Conservation Rebates for Farms MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Clean Energy Economic Development Initiative (CEEDI) MD Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - Commercial and Industrial Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) MD Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
PEPCO - Commissioning and Operations Incentive Programs MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
PEPCO - Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Choptank Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings and Homes MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Sales Tax Holiday for Energy-Efficient Appliances MD Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Baltimore - Green Building Requirements for City Buildings MD Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
PEPCO - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Incentive Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Delmarva Power - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Incentive Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Empower Maryland Efficiency Act MD Regulatory Policy Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
Home Energy Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Home Performance with Energy Star Rebates MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Anne Arundel County - High Performance Dwelling Property Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Be SMART Home Energy Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Be SMART Multi-Family Efficiency Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Be SMART Business Efficiency Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - ENERGY STAR New Homes Program for Builders MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit for Solar and Geothermal Devices MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Be SMART Home Efficiency Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Small Town Energy Program (STEP) MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Clean-Burning Wood Stove Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - LEED for New Construction Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - Municipal and Street Lighting Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
EmPower Maryland CHP Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Parking Lot Solar PV with EV Charger Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Commercial and Industrial Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Mathias Agricultural Energy Efficiency Grant program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) MD Financial Incentive Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
SMECO- Small Business/Non-Profit Solutions MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - Combined Heat and Power Program MD Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
MARBIDCO Rural Business Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Fund MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
DHCD- Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Post-2015 Maryland Energy Efficiency Goals MD Regulatory Policy Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
Washington Gas - Residential Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Washington Gas - Commercial Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Maryland Smart Energy Communities Grant MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
City of Baltimore- BEI Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Montgomery County- Green Building Standard MD Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Montgomery County- Expedited Permitting for Solar PV MD Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
MEA- Data Center Energy Efficiency Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Energy Storage Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
DHCD Net Zero Construction Loan Program MD Financial Incentive Loan Program
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Data Center Equipment MD Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Zero-Emission Vehicle School Bus Transition Grant Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Clean Fuels Incentive Program (CFIP) MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Delmarva - EVsmart MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
PEPCO - EVsmart MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Potomac Edison - EV Driven Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Baltimore Gas and Electric - EVsmart Program MD Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Resilient Maryland Program MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Community Solar Energy Generation System Pilot Program MD Regulatory Policy Community Solar Rules
Medium–Duty and Heavy–Duty Zero–Emission Vehicle Grant Program. MD Financial Incentive Grant Program
Offshore Wind Energy Target MD Regulatory Policy Offshore Wind Energy Target
City of Baltimore - High-Performance Market-Rate Rental Housing Property Tax Credit MD Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Energy Storage Target MD Regulatory Policy Energy Storage Target
Tax-Exempt Financing for Green Buildings, Renewable Energy & Brownfield Redevelopment US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Conservation Security Program (CSP) Production Incentive US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Federal Excise Tax Exemption for Gasohol US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) US Financial Incentive Corporate Depreciation
Energy Star Financing and Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA Rural Housing Service Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Small Business Administration Loan Programs US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy-Efficient Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government US Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Energy-Efficient Appliance Manufacturing Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Federal Appliance Standards US Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Energy Goals and Standards for Federal Agencies US Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Repowering Assistance Biorefinery Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Title I Property Improvement Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Personal) US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit

Residential Clean Energy Grant Program: This program provides financial incentives to homeowners who install solar water heating and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Homeowners can receive a grant of up to $1,000 for solar PV systems.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Maryland has an SREC program where solar system owners can earn credits for the electricity they generate. These credits can then be sold to utilities, helping them meet their renewable energy requirements.

Commercial Clean Energy Grant Program: This program offers financial incentives to businesses, non-profits, and local government organizations that install solar water heating and PV systems.

Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems: This exemption allows property owners to exclude the added value of a solar or wind system from the valuation of their property for taxation purposes.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment: This exemption exempts solar energy equipment from the state's sales and use tax.

Maryland Solar Companies

There are hundreds of solar companies in Maryland. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.

To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.

The solar companies we partner with:

  • Project Solar - A nationwide provider of solar panel systems that has a non-sales-oriented approach to building your system. They build your system from their central office and send a local company to complete the solar panel installation.
  • EnergySage - The largest online solar installation network. They work with thousands of installers to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. With thousands of successful solar installations, they can give you a range of bids and pricing options.
  • Tesla - Brains behind some of the most cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, Tesla also offers sleek and powerful solar systems and battery systems.

We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.

Before You Install Solar Panels

Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.

  • What are the long-term savings and payback period for installing a solar panel system?
  • How will installing solar panels impact my home's value?
  • What is the system’s Return on Investment (ROI)?
  • Are there any specific design or aesthetic considerations for solar panel installation?
  • How do I weigh the environmental benefits against the costs of installation?
  • What are the specific terms and conditions for the installer?

Maryland’s Solar Challenges

While there are a few large challenges that Maryland is facing with solar, they all surround one big issue: transparency. 

Recently, there was a call for a pause on Senate Bill 489 and House Bill 692. Both residents and leaders are looking for more information around solar and other renewable energy plans. Specifically, clear and well-planned strategy for the implementation of solar projects and distribution of financial credits to renewable energy generators.

In terms of solar projects, residents are afraid of hasty developments that could disrupt local communities and agriculture, depreciate property values, and pose future cleanup challenges. They are urging the state consider alternative spaces for solar panel installations, such as commercial rooftops and parking lots, before utilizing large areas of agricultural land. 

At the same time leaders are suspect that the renewable energy program might be inadvertently funding "dirty energy sources" instead of genuinely renewable options. They have requested more detailed information in the annual report on the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), including data on renewable energy credits (RECs) and the facilities selling them. The groups are also advocating for a compliance check to ensure that the RECs sold in Maryland meet the necessary eligibility criteria, including environmental standards. The overarching goal is to foster a renewable energy program that is both transparent and effective in promoting clean energy sources.

Why Trust EnergyBot

We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.

Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Maryland decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.

We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.

Maryland Solar FAQs

The cost of solar panel installation in Maryland can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.

A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Maryland is $18,780 for a 6kW system or about or about $3.13 per watt.

The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Your home's energy consumption: The first step is to calculate your household's energy use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills to see how much electricity you use in a year, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses around 10,400 kWh per year, but this can vary widely based on the size of your home, the efficiency of your appliances, and your personal habits.
  2. The amount of sunlight your location receives: This can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place that has many sunny days like Arizona, you might require fewer solar panels compared to someone living in a place with less sunlight like Seattle.
  3. The efficiency of the solar panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. On average, residential solar panels have an efficiency rating between 15-20%. The higher the efficiency, the fewer panels you would likely need to meet your energy needs.
  4. The size of the solar panels: Solar panels also come in different sizes. A common size for residential use is roughly 65 inches by 39 inches. Each panel typically produces around 250 to 400 watts of power, but this can vary.

To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.

  • Lower Electricity Bills:
    Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lower your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    Solar energy is clean and renewable, so using it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
  • Increased Home Value:
    Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Long-Term Savings:
    While the upfront cost of installing solar energy systems can be high, they can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and other savings.
  • Location:
    Homes in areas with lots of sunlight are generally better candidates for solar panels. If your home is shaded or doesn't receive much sunlight, it may not be the best choice.
  • Roof Orientation:
    Ideally, your roof should be facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roof Condition:
    Your roof should be in good condition and able to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to take care of that before your solar installation.

The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

Some skilled DIYers may be able to save some solar installation costs by installing solar equipment themselves. But, any solar installation will require a foundational knowledge of wiring and electricity. There's is a lot that can go wrong, posing a potentially deadly hazard.

Before you try to DIY your system we would recommend getting a quote from a solar installer. You may find that the labor costs of your install is relatively small compared to the cost of the solar equipment itself.

There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home. 

Maryland, getting a solar permit is pretty straightforward but can vary depending on your local jurisdiction. 

Typically, you'll need to submit a permit application to your local building department, which usually includes site plans and system specs. Some cities have streamlined this process to encourage solar adoption. It's always a good idea to consult your local building department for the nitty-gritty details like required documentation and fees. 

If you're working with a solar installation company, they often handle the permitting process for you.

Baltimore

Permit Application

Frederick

Building Permits

Rockville

Permits & Inspection

Gaithersburg

Permitting & Inspection