Cost of Solar Panels in Maryland (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Maryland?

Before considering any incentives, a 7-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system costs $18,645 in Maryland. Prices in Baltimore are comparable, ranging from $14,608 to $29,215.

Anecdotally, Dan in Germantown said their solar panel installation cost $21,000 before factoring in any financial incentives. On the higher end, Valerie in Baltimore was quoted $40,000 for a system (she decided to lease the panels instead). Yvonne in Marriottsville paid $50,000 for solar panels plus necessary roof and window improvements.

Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Maryland

How to compare solar quotes

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Maryland. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor, permits and grid hookup.

Solar prices in Maryland have decreased 42% over the last decade.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.66 in Maryland.

Solar panel costs in Maryland

Solar panel installation cost factors in Maryland

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Maryland household needs about a 8.2 kW system, which costs $21,812 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary depending on efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best value. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar batteries: Solar battery costs generally range from $7,000 to $18,000. Batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert solar power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track energy production and identify potential issues. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from upset solar customers who feel blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation is complete.

To ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system’s longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Local labor costs

Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs. Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state.

You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in more rural parts of Maryland should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

Are solar panels worth it in Maryland?

Going solar is often worth it in Maryland for long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $75,391 in utility costs on average.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

In the best-case scenario, you can almost completely eliminate your utility bills, like Laurel in Columbia did. “So far, it feels good to be paying only an $8 connection fee to the electricity company,” Laurel told us.

But it doesn't work out for everyone. We suggest comparing a few cost estimates. Weigh your installation costs against how much you can save over time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator is a good resource to see how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.

How the weather and climate impacts solar panel performance in Maryland

Maryland’s four-season climate is generally favorable for solar. Panels work well in cold weather and still produce energy on cloudy days. Annual sunlight levels remain strong overall, but snow and storms can temporarily reduce output.

Seasonality still affects your system’s output, according to Frank in Columbia. “I've seen the benefits of switching to solar in the summertime, but in the wintertime, I don’t,” Frank told us.

Regional solar considerations in Maryland

Whether going solar is worth it also depends on where you live in Maryland. The state gets only 3 to 4 peak sun hours daily. Significant shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — will make your solar system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

How can I pay for solar panels in Maryland?

Financing options and leasing programs make going solar more affordable for the average Maryland homeowner. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back monthly with interest.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.
• Power purchase agreements: A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. You buy the power generated by the system on a per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis at a fixed price, which is typically cheaper than the utility's rate for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives Maryland

The federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

You can also save money through solar panel manufacturers’ rebates.

On the bright side, you can still take advantage of several solar incentives in Maryland, like local tax breaks and rebates. For example, homes with solar can receive property tax credits and exemptions for the value solar equipment adds to the home.

There’s also net metering, which allows you to sell excess energy back to your local electric company when your solar system produces more than you use.

Compare solar companies in Maryland

Read our guides to finding the best solar companies in Maryland and solar companies in Baltimore to learn more.

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as system size, local labor rates and available incentives.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Maryland and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Maryland and nearby states