Maryland Solar Capacity and Adoption Rate
Solar adoption in Maryland can be read through installed capacity, home adoption, electricity share, and recent additions. Maryland's solar growth rate in 2025 stands out most clearly in community solar, where installations reached 76 MWdc and rose 13% year over year.
- 3,117 MWdc Photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed in Maryland — a solid statewide base for a mid-sized U.S. solar market. SEIA, March 2026
- 369,814 homes Could be powered by Maryland's installed solar capacity. SEIA, March 2026
- 7.65% Of Maryland's electricity came from solar — the clearest metric for statewide solar share. SEIA, March 2026
- 21st nationally Maryland's rank for total solar capacity, reflecting an established mid-tier U.S. market. SEIA, March 2026
- 17th nationally Maryland's rank for new solar additions in 2025 — outpacing its overall capacity ranking. SEIA, March 2026
- 5.77% Of Maryland homes had solar in 2025 — residential adoption still has room for wider household growth. SEIA, March 2025
- 76 MWdc Community solar installed in Maryland in 2025 — a record year for shared solar access. SEIA Year in Review 2025
- +13% Maryland community solar growth year over year in 2025. SEIA Year in Review 2025
- $7.1 billion Total investment in Maryland solar — reflecting long-term capital activity across the state. SEIA, March 2026
- $464 million Invested in Maryland solar in 2024 alone. SEIA, March 2025
- 198 companies Solar companies operating in Maryland — installers, developers, manufacturers, and service providers. SEIA, March 2026
For readers tracking how many Maryland homes have solar, the clearest residential figure is 5.77% of homes in 2025. SEIA also estimated that statewide capacity could power the equivalent of 369,814 homes.
Average Solar Panel Cost in Maryland 2026
Solar cost in Maryland depends on utility territory, system size, roof conditions, equipment choice, and financing terms. For a full breakdown, see the solar panel cost in Maryland guide.
- $2.94/W Average installed solar cost per watt in BGE/Baltimore area. Maryland Solar Guide, 2026
- $2.57–$2.65/W Comparable cost range in Pepco territory. Maryland Solar Guide, 2026
- ~$22,400 For an 8 kW system before incentives — baseline price before grants, tax exemptions, or SREC value. NREL / market data, 2026
- 20.08¢/kWh Maryland average residential electricity rate, February 2026 — 13.8% above the U.S. national average. EIA Electric Power Monthly, Feb 2026
- 10,500–12,340 kWh Average annual electricity use by a Maryland household. EIA / EnergySage, 2026
- 13.86 kW Typical solar system capacity needed for a Maryland home based on average usage. EnergySage, 2026
- 12.7 years Average solar payback period in Maryland through savings and incentives. Clean Energy Calc, 2026
- ~$22,000 Estimated long-term savings over 25 years for a typical Maryland solar system. Clean Energy Calc, 2026
- $1,300–$1,600/yr Estimated annual electricity savings from solar for typical Maryland customers. Multiple sources, 2026
The average solar panel cost in Maryland in 2026 ranges from $2.57 to $2.94/W across utility territories. Final ROI is shaped by installed price, roof production, SREC revenue, net metering credits, and financing costs. See the Maryland solar loan guide for rate comparisons, or the $0 down solar guide for lease and PPA options.
Maryland Solar Incentives Statistics 2026
Maryland solar incentives in 2026 include state grants, SRECs, tax exemptions, and net metering. For a complete incentive breakdown, see the Maryland solar incentives guide.
Federal ITC expired: The 30% residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners installing solar in 2026 cannot claim it. Do not include it in any 2026 payback calculation.
MSAP and RCES are effectively exhausted for FY2026. Both programs had 100% of funding requested as of May 2026. Applications closed April 17 (MSAP) and June 5 (RCES). Check energy.maryland.gov for FY2027 announcements.
- $750/kW up to $7,500 MSAP grant amount for income-qualified Maryland solar installations (150% AMI limit). Maryland Energy Administration, 2026
- $12,000,000 MSAP total FY2026 budget — Maryland Solar Access Program. 93% reserved as of May 11, 2026. Maryland Energy Administration, 2026
- $5,000 max RCES grant maximum for qualifying battery storage systems. Maryland Energy Administration, 2026
- $2,000,000 RCES FY2026 battery storage grant budget — 100% requested, 76% reserved as of May 11, 2026. Maryland Energy Administration, 2026
- $50–$75 Per Maryland SREC in 2026 — solar renewable energy certificate price range. SRECTrade / market data, 2026
- 1,000 kWh Per SREC — generation volume represented by one solar renewable energy certificate. Maryland RPS / PJM GATS
- $660–$780/yr Estimated annual SREC income for a typical 10 kW Maryland system. Maryland Solar Guide calc, 2026
- 11–13 SRECs/yr Typical certificate output for a 10 kW system based on annual production. Maryland Solar Guide calc, 2026
- 6% Sales tax exemption on qualifying solar equipment purchases in Maryland. Maryland law (§11-230)
- 100% Property tax exemption on added home value from qualifying solar systems. MD Tax-Property Article §7-242
- ~20¢/kWh Full retail net metering credit rate for excess generation from grid-tied solar systems. Maryland PSC / EIA, 2026
- Dec. 31, 2025 Federal residential solar tax credit expiration date — no ITC for 2026 installations. IRS, 2026
Solar Energy Jobs in Maryland 2026 & Economic Impact
Maryland's solar economy includes installation, development, manufacturing, project finance, engineering, electrical work, sales, and operations.
- 4,938 Solar jobs in Maryland — statewide solar employment count. SEIA, March 2026
- 4,973 Solar jobs in March 2025 — previous SEIA employment count. SEIA, March 2025
- 100 Solar installers and developers in Maryland — the local project base for residential and commercial work. SEIA, March 2026
- 17 Solar manufacturers in Maryland — in-state manufacturing within the solar supply chain. SEIA, March 2026
- $7.1 billion Total solar investment in Maryland — long-term capital activity statewide. SEIA, March 2026
- 1,995 MW Projected additional Maryland solar capacity over the next five years. SEIA, March 2025
Maryland's 100 installers and developers give homeowners room to compare quotes, equipment packages, timelines, and service coverage. The 1,995 MW five-year projection points to continued project activity across the state.
How Much Solar Energy Does Maryland Produce?
Peak sun hours, solar irradiance, installed capacity, and grid mix data show how much solar energy Maryland produces from both household and grid-scale angles.
- 3,117 MWdc Solar capacity installed in Maryland. SEIA, March 2026
- 7.65% Of Maryland electricity came from solar — a measurable share of statewide generation. Use the Maryland solar calculator to estimate your home's output. SEIA, March 2026
- 48% Of Maryland's grid mix came from natural gas — the largest share of electricity generation. EIA, September 2025
- 43% Of Maryland's grid mix came from nuclear — the second-largest share of statewide generation. EIA, September 2025
- ~7% Of Maryland's grid mix came from renewables combined. EIA, September 2025
- 4.2–4.8 hrs/day Average peak sun hours in Maryland — the solar resource range used for PV output estimates. NREL PVWatts
- 1,200–1,400 kWh/kW-yr Typical annual solar production per installed kW in Maryland. NREL PVWatts calculation
- ~9,750 kWh/yr Estimated annual output from a 7 kW Maryland residential system. NREL PVWatts calculation
- 45 MWh Battery storage installed in Maryland. SEIA, March 2026
Maryland vs Other States
Maryland ranks in the middle tier of U.S. solar markets by installed capacity. For homeowners, electricity price is the most practical comparison — higher retail rates increase the value of each kWh produced by a home solar system.
- 21st nationally Maryland's solar capacity rank. SEIA, March 2026
- 17th nationally Maryland's rank for new solar additions in 2025. SEIA, March 2026
- 20.08¢/kWh Maryland residential electricity rate — 13.8% above the U.S. national average of 17.65¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
- +65.4% vs MD California residential electricity rate: 33.22¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
- +49.4% vs MD New York residential electricity rate: 29.99¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
- +19.4% vs MD Washington, D.C. residential electricity rate: 23.97¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
- +1.1% vs MD Pennsylvania residential electricity rate: 20.30¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
- −20.5% vs MD Virginia residential electricity rate: 15.96¢/kWh — lower rates mean longer MD payback vs VA. EIA, Feb 2026
- −21.3% vs MD Florida residential electricity rate: 15.80¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
- −23.3% vs MD Texas residential electricity rate: 15.41¢/kWh. EIA, Feb 2026
Maryland Solar Statistics by City and County
Local Maryland solar data is reported through county plans, public facility projects, utility territories, interconnection records, and official program records. Data formats and metrics vary by jurisdiction.
City-level solar data in Maryland is reported inconsistently — figures below reflect the most recent available data from official sources per location. Some cities report installed capacity in kW or MW; others report adoption rates or program-level outputs.
Prince George's County
- 250 MW Solar generation in Prince George's County as of March 2018. PG County SEPI Plan, 2018
- 6% Of eligible Prince George's County accounts using solar PV. PG County electrification finance
- 60,000 installs Additional solar installations targeted by 2030 — Prince George's County planning goal. PG County electrification finance
- ~900 kW Solar carport system at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building. PG County Government Operations
- 527,000 kWh/yr Annual output from three county facility solar PV systems. PG County Government Operations
Montgomery County
- 5.5 MW Solar on Montgomery County buildings and facilities — first phase of the county initiative. Montgomery County, 2015
- 6 million kWh/yr Estimated output from the 14-project SolarCity initiative. Montgomery County, 2015
- 2 MW Solar photovoltaic canopy capacity at Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot. FHWA / Montgomery County, 2026
- 4.3 MWh Battery storage capacity paired with the Brookville depot microgrid. FHWA / Montgomery County, 2026
- 122 kW Combined rooftop solar at Meadowbrook and Wheaton Maintenance Yards. Montgomery County Clean Energy FY23
- 169,000 kWh/yr Estimated output from Meadowbrook and Wheaton rooftop arrays. Montgomery County Clean Energy FY23
Baltimore County & Baltimore City
- 674.52 kWdc Rooftop solar array on a government building in Hunt Valley, Baltimore County. MEA Public Facility Solar Grant FY21
- 18 kW Rooftop solar PV at Govans Multi-Purpose Center, Baltimore City. MD Smart Energy Communities FY22
- 25,000 kWh/yr Expected annual output from the Govans Multi-Purpose Center project. MD Smart Energy Communities FY22
Official local records give homeowners a practical view of solar activity by county and facility. For rules on solar installations in HOA communities, see the Maryland HOA solar guide. Prince George's County and Montgomery County provide the strongest local planning data.
Community Solar Maryland Statistics
Renters, condo owners, and homeowners with shaded roofs can access Maryland community solar for bill credits from a shared project — no roof installation required. Maryland's pilot program ended December 31, 2024, and the state moved into a permanent framework.
- 76 MWdc Community solar installed in Maryland in 2025 — a record annual capacity. SEIA Year in Review 2025
- +13% Year-over-year community solar growth in 2025. SEIA Year in Review 2025
- 139 projects Community solar pilot projects since program inception. Maryland PSC, June 2024
- 204 MW Operating community solar capacity under Maryland's pilot program. Maryland PSC, June 2024
- Jan. 1, 2026 Consolidated billing implementation date — utilities required to implement streamlined net crediting. Maryland HB 908 / PSC
- 40% LMI output Required share of output for low- and moderate-income subscribers in certain community solar systems. Maryland PSC / HB 908
- ≥10% LMI savings LMI subscribers may not be charged more than 90% of bill-credit value — minimum 10% discount. Maryland PSC program rules
- $0 upfront No panel purchase required to subscribe to community solar in Maryland. Maryland Community Solar Program
- 4 of 5 utilities Major utilities participating: BGE, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, and Pepco. Maryland PSC, 2026
- 10+ GWdc U.S. community solar capacity milestone reached by Q4 2025. SEIA Year in Review 2025
Community solar is often the most practical option for Maryland renters and households without suitable roofs. Availability depends on utility territory, project capacity, and enrollment status. See the community solar Maryland guide for current providers.
Solar Battery Storage Maryland Statistics 2026
Battery storage adds backup power, increases solar self-consumption, and qualifies for grant funding when paired with a solar system. See the solar battery storage guide for system sizing and current funding status.
RCES grant is closed for FY2026. Applications were accepted until June 5, 2026, or until funding was exhausted. MEA expects the FY2027 program to launch in summer 2026. Check energy.maryland.gov before planning around grant money.
- 45 MWh Battery storage installed in Maryland. SEIA, March 2026
- $5,000 max RCES grant maximum for qualifying residential battery storage systems (FY2026, now closed). Maryland Energy Administration, 2026
- $2,000,000 RCES FY2026 budget — 100% requested, 76% reserved as of May 11, 2026. Closed to new applications. Maryland Energy Administration, 2026
- 4.3 MWh Battery storage at Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot, Montgomery County — paired with solar canopies. FHWA / Montgomery County, 2026
- 3,000 MW by 2033 Maryland's statewide energy storage deployment goal. Maryland PSC, 2024 Annual Report
- 150 MW Distribution-connected storage target under the Next Generation Energy Act. Maryland PSC, 2026
- 800 MW Round 1 transmission-connected energy storage solicitation under NGEA. Maryland PSC, 2026
- 5 applications Round 1 transmission-connected storage applications received by Maryland PSC. Maryland PSC, March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Solar Statistics
How much does solar save per month in Maryland? ▾
Maryland solar savings typically range from $108 to $133 per month for a typical system, based on the annual savings range of $1,300–$1,600 per year from 2026 market data.
Actual savings depend on system size, electricity rate, roof production, net metering credits, SREC value, and financing terms.
Is solar worth it in Maryland in 2026? ▾
Yes, solar can be worth it in Maryland in 2026 for homes with suitable roof exposure, strong daytime electricity use, and a fair installed price. EIA data for February 2026 puts Maryland's average residential electricity rate at 20.08¢/kWh — 13.8% above the national average — which supports solar payback when SREC income, net metering, and installation costs work in the homeowner's favor.
The federal ITC expired December 31, 2025, so 2026 payback periods are longer than in prior years without it.
How many MW of solar does Maryland have? ▾
SEIA's March 2026 Maryland profile lists 3,117 MWdc of installed solar capacity in the state. The same profile estimates this is enough to power the equivalent of 369,814 homes.
What is the Maryland SREC price today? ▾
SRECTrade data for 2026 puts Maryland SRECs at approximately $50–$75 per certificate. Under Maryland RPS/PJM GATS accounting, one SREC represents 1,000 kWh of solar generation. A typical 10 kW system earns 11–13 SRECs per year, generating $660–$780 in annual income at current prices.
Can renters get solar in Maryland? ▾
Yes. Renters can use community solar in Maryland if a project is available in their utility territory and has open subscriber capacity. Maryland PSC data from June 2024 lists 139 community solar pilot projects since program inception, giving renters a way to receive bill credits from shared solar projects without installing anything. See the community solar Maryland guide for current providers.
How many homes have solar in Maryland? ▾
SEIA's March 2025 state data estimated that 5.77% of Maryland homes had solar. SEIA's March 2026 profile also estimated that Maryland's total installed capacity could power the equivalent of 369,814 homes.
What percentage of Maryland electricity comes from solar? ▾
SEIA's March 2026 Maryland profile reports that solar supplied 7.65% of the state's electricity. Natural gas (48%) and nuclear (43%) still supply larger shares of statewide generation.
Is the federal solar tax credit available in Maryland in 2026? ▾
No. The federal residential solar tax credit (Residential Clean Energy Credit) expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners installing solar in 2026 cannot claim the 30% residential credit. Do not include it in any 2026 payback calculation.
Are Maryland solar grants still available in 2026? ▾
Not for new FY2026 applications. Both MSAP (solar panels) and RCES (battery storage) had 100% of funding requested for FY2026. MSAP closed to new applications April 17, 2026; RCES accepted applications until June 5, 2026.
MEA expects to launch FY2027 programs in summer 2026. Check energy.maryland.gov before planning around grant money.
Sources
Capacity, Adoption, Jobs & Economic Impact
- SEIA — Maryland State Solar Profile (March 2026)
- SEIA — Solar Market Insight Report 2025 Year in Review
Electricity Rates & Energy Production
- EIA — Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (February 2026)
- EIA — Maryland State Energy Profile
- NREL — PVWatts Calculator
Incentives & Grants
- Maryland Energy Administration — Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP)
- Maryland Energy Administration — RCES Grant Program
- SRECTrade — Maryland SREC Market Prices
- Maryland PSC — Net Energy Metering Report 2025
- IRS — Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC expiration)
- Maryland GA — Tax-Property Article §7-242 (Property Tax Exemption)
- Maryland GA — Tax-General Article §11-230 (Sales Tax Exemption)
Community Solar & Battery Storage
- Maryland PSC — Community Solar Program
- Maryland GA — House Bill 908 / Community Solar Consolidated Billing
- Maryland PSC — Energy Storage Policy
- Maryland PSC — 2024 Annual Report
City & County Data
- Prince George's County — Sustainable Energy Program Implementation Plan, 2018
- Prince George's County — Electrification Finance Materials
- Montgomery County — Clean Energy Actions FY23 Plan
- FHWA — Montgomery Microgrid Charging Depot P3, Maryland
- Maryland Energy Administration — Public Facility Solar Grant Program FY21 Projects
- Maryland Smart Energy Communities — FY22 Awardee Listing
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