Your Introductory Guide to PV Energy in the Free State

he trajectory of solar energy in Maryland is looking bright, with the state making significant strides in recent years. Just three years ago, Maryland held the 26th position in the U.S. for total capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations, but today, it proudly ranks 18th. These installations are now capable of producing sufficient green energy to power over 200,500 homes, a testament to the state's growing commitment to renewable energy.

Solar in Maryland: A Viable Option?

Even though the costs of solar in Maryland hover slightly above the national average, this is far from a deterrent. The state receives an average of 4.47 daily peak sun hours, presenting an excellent opportunity for harnessing the sun's immense power.

Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard further cements its commitment to a sustainable future. This ambitious initiative aims for 100% renewable energy by 2040, a full decade ahead of most U.S. states. Given this level of determination, it's clear that significant incentives will carry on driving down the prices of photovoltaic panels, enhancing their popularity and economic viability.

The Cost of Going Solar in Maryland

Transitioning to the crux of the matter, let's discuss the costs involved. Solar costs in Maryland stand at $3.02/W, a slight increment above the national mean. With an average PV panel system size of 6 kilowatts (kW), the expenditure for a typical installation varies between $15,400 to $20,840, making the average gross price of solar in Maryland approximately $18,120.

Despite initial impressions of high costs, the long-term savings potential is substantial. Indeed, over a 20-year span, a typical solar owner could anticipate savings exceeding $19,500 by opting for an average-sized system. Thus, the benefits of solar energy, in the long run, undeniably outweigh the upfront investment. Generate electricity at home with solar panels, wind turbines, or generators for sustainable energy independence and cost savings.

Remember, transitioning to solar in Maryland doesn't demand paying the full cost upfront. Today, there exist multiple flexible financing options that can make the adoption of solar energy more affordable. Here are the most common ways homeowners can finance their PV systems:

• Solar Loans: Many credit unions, banks, and other lenders now offer solar-specific personal loans. These typically cover the total cost of the system, which you can then repay over an agreed period. In some cases, the monthly savings on energy bills can even help offset the loan repayments.
• Leasing: Leasing is a popular option for going solar in Maryland, where you pay a fixed monthly amount to use a solar system installed on your property. The leasing company owns the system and is responsible for maintenance, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of solar without the responsibilities of ownership.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): PPAs are similar to leasing, but instead of a fixed fee, you pay for the electricity the system generates each month. This method offers stable, often lower electricity rates and eliminates upfront costs.

Incentives for Solar in Maryland

Maryland homeowners seeking to install PV systems can tap into a variety of incentives that offer financial benefits and promote solar in Maryland. Here's an overview of current programs:

• Energy Storage Income Tax Credit: This program, operated by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), provides a tax credit for solar battery installations. It offers 30% of total installation costs up to $5,000, which homeowners can deduct from their Maryland state tax liability. As of early 2023, 82% of the annual tax credit allotment was still available. This solar MD program is set to expire in 2024.
• Maryland Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC): In Maryland, homeowners can participate in the SREC program, which grants credits for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean energy produced. Homeowners can then sell these credits to utility solar companies. The market price fluctuates, but over the past two years, SRECs have sold for between $60 to $80.
• Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program: This program rewards homeowners with a one-time payout of $1,000 for installing solar in Maryland. Additional payouts include $3,000 for geothermal heat pumps and $500 for solar water heaters. To qualify, systems must meet specific criteria and be installed by a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified installer.
• Property Tax Exemption: Homeowners switching to solar in Maryland won't face higher property taxes due to the increased value of their property from solar installations, thanks to this exemption.
• Sales Tax Exemption: This exemption removes the 6% sales tax on photovoltaic installations and related costs.
• Net-Metering: Excess energy generated by PV panels can be sold back to the grid via net-metering programs. Homeowners receive credits on future electricity bills at the full retail rate. Any remaining credits get cashed out at the end of a 12-month cycle.
• Additional Local Incentives: Various Maryland cities and counties offer solar incentives. For instance, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Prince George’s Counties offer property tax credits ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for the installation of solar systems.

Remember that most of these incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are specific terms and conditions to consider. To get the most accurate and detailed information, be sure to check the websites of the Maryland Energy Administration and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

In a nutshell: The Real Worth of Solar in Maryland

Solar in Maryland holds immense promise. The state's increasing PV installations and a strong commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040 present a compelling case for investing in photovoltaics. While upfront costs may be higher than the national average, a closer look reveals substantial long-term savings, exceeding $19,500 over 20 years.

Maryland also offers a range of financial incentives to promote solar adoption, including tax credits, exemptions on sales and property tax, installation rewards, and a thriving SREC market. With these benefits, switching to solar in Maryland is both environmentally responsible and financially advantageous.

Considering all these factors, going solar in Maryland is undeniably worth it. The state's commitment to renewable energy, coupled with the financial advantages and long-term savings, create a win-win situation for residents interested in transitioning to clean energy.

Sources:

https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/maryland-solar

https://www.turbinegenerator.org/solar/maryland/

https://energy.maryland.gov/pages/info/renewable/solar.aspx

https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-panel-cost/md/