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Maryland · Updated August 2026
Maryland solar incentives in 2026
Every solar incentive a Maryland homeowner can actually use in 2026, including a state grant that works with a PPA, the SREC market, and county credits worth up to $5,000.
$750/kWMaryland Solar Access Program grant, up to $7,500Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · Inc. 5000 · 20,000+ installations
The numbers
What Maryland actually offers in 2026
| Measure | Current | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Solar Access Program | $750/kW | Up to $7,500. Income-qualified, first-come first-served |
| MSAP works with a PPA | Yes | Owned, leased or PPA systems can qualify |
| SREC value | $40–$90 | Per MWh generated. 8 kW system earns 9–10 per year |
| Certified SREC bonus | 1.5x | Through 2027 |
| Sales and use tax exemption | 6% | Tax-General 11-230, no expiration |
| State property tax exemption | 100% | Added home value is not assessed |
| Montgomery County credit | Up to $5,000 | On top of the state exemption |
| Howard County credit | Up to $2,500 | On top of the state exemption |
| Federal residential credit (25D) | Ended | For systems purchased after Dec 31, 2025 |
Figures as published August 2026. Utility rates change on published schedules — check your own bill for the rate that applies to your account.
Why the number is what it is
The state grant works even if you never own the panels
The Maryland Solar Access Program, created under the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024, pays $750 per kilowatt of installed capacity, up to $7,500. For a typical 6 to 10 kW home that is $4,500 to $7,500 in direct grant funding.
Two things make it unusual. It is income-qualified — roughly 150% of area median income or below — and eligible systems can be owned outright or provided under a qualifying lease or power purchase agreement. Most state grants require ownership. This one does not.
Source: Maryland Energy Administration, Maryland Solar Access Program, established under the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024. Eligibility, funding and terms are set per program year — confirm the current round on the MEA portal.
SRECs, and the 1.5x bonus running through 2027
Maryland utilities must source a share of their power from solar under the state Renewable Portfolio Standard. To comply they buy SRECs — one per megawatt-hour your system generates.
Maryland SRECs have traded roughly $40 to $90, higher than Maryland’s. An 8 kW system producing about 9,800 kWh a year earns 9 to 10 SRECs annually. There is also a 1.5x Certified SREC multiplier running through 2027 for qualifying systems.
SREC income is taxable as ordinary income, and the certificates belong to whoever owns the panels — under a lease or PPA, that is the system owner rather than the homeowner.
County credits stack on the state exemption
Maryland exempts the added home value from property tax statewide. Several counties then add a credit on top: Montgomery County up to $5,000, Howard County up to $2,500. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Prince George’s counties have offered credits as well.
These are applied against your annual property tax bill rather than paid out, and the application process varies by county. Worth asking your county before installation rather than after.
The federal residential credit ended. Here is what that actually means.
The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit under Section 25D ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025. If you buy a system with cash or a loan in 2026, you cannot claim it. Any site still advertising "30% federal tax credit" for a homeowner purchase is running outdated information.
What remains is Section 48E, the commercial investment credit. It applies to third-party-owned systems — leases and power purchase agreements — where the system owner claims it rather than the homeowner. That is precisely what makes $0-down possible: the credit stays with whoever owns the equipment, and under a PPA that is not you.
We would rather tell you that plainly than let you find out at tax time.
Two ways to pay for solar, and they are very different
If you buy the system
You own the equipment, you keep any renewable energy credits, and you carry the maintenance responsibility. Installed pricing varies by roof, shading and system size.
If you use a PPA
$0 upfront. We install and own the system; you buy the power it produces at a rate set in your agreement, and you only pay for what it actually generates. The system owner carries maintenance for the life of the agreement.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. What remains applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional about your situation.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area.
Maryland questions
The things people actually ask
Why is Maryland's Price to Compare lower than PPL's but the all-in rate higher?
Because the two numbers measure different things. Maryland's supply charge is lower; its distribution charges and riders are higher. What matters to your budget is the all-in figure — your bill divided by your kilowatt-hours.
How often does this change?
Four times a year: March, June, September and December.
Can I shop for supply?
Yes. Maryland is deregulated, and switching suppliers changes only the supply portion of your bill.
See what your roof and Maryland actually add up to
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