Solar savings & payback in Maryland
Maryland runs about 19¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 19¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~4 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
- Export credit
- Full retail (1:1)
State incentive: $1,000 state grant plus an active SREC market.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Maryland compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Maryland sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
19¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Higher rates make every solar kWh worth more
Solar generation
~4 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
10.1 years
US average: 10.6 years
Faster than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Maryland
Computed with Maryland's rate (19¢/kWh), sun (~4 kWh/kW/day), and full 1:1 net metering, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~480 kWh | ~$1,094 | ~10.1 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~720 kWh | ~$1,642 | ~10.1 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~960 kWh | ~$2,189 | ~10.1 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,200 kWh | ~$2,736 | ~10.1 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Maryland
Full retail net metering with annual true-up.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
Maryland solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Maryland in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Maryland system pays for itself in about 10.1 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 19¢/kWh with full retail net metering (1:1), the case is workable but depends on your roof, usage pattern, and quotes.
How much does a solar system cost in Maryland?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 720 kWh a month in Maryland's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Maryland?
Full retail net metering with annual true-up.
Does Maryland have a state solar incentive?
$1,000 state grant plus an active SREC market. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Maryland?
A 6.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Maryland, that's roughly 16 modern 425W panels needing about 423 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.