Maryland offers a variety of solar incentives that help make going solar more affordable for you. From rebates to net metering, here’s what you need to know about solar incentives in Maryland.
When making the decision to go solar, the price of entry can be one determining factor that stops you from making the transition. Fortunately, Maryland has one of the most robust incentive systems in the entire country to help make the process of going solar more affordable.
Maryland has a Renewable Portfolio Standard in place that aims to generate half of the state’s energy through clean, renewable options by 2030. To accelerate this process, a detailed incentive structure has been built out.
Solar incentives in Maryland come in many different forms, with some that kick in immediately and others you can accumulate over time.
When you purchase panels for your residence outright or through a loan, you can qualify to receive a rebate on the cost of your installation. This is called the Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program. The size of the rebate is calculated by income and is not available to those who make 150% over the median household income threshold. Additionally, your system must meet the minimum size requirement of 1 kW and the project be completed by an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Maryland works hard to off set the tax expenses that might come with the transition to solar energy. To address this, the state has decided not to add any sales tax on the panels you purchase. This typical 6% sales tax can add up on a large project, so it’s a great advantage to avoid this fee. Solar panels also increase your property value, and when this increase occurs, so too do property taxes usually follow. However, Maryland does not tax any additional value increase that results from a solar installation.
SRECs and net metering are two programs that allow you to capitalize on excess energy produced or energy generated over time by offering energy to the local power grid or by selling it to companies on the SREC marketplace.
In addition to federal and state incentives, certain counties in Maryland also offer local incentives to help make going solar even more affordable. Many of these come in the form of tax breaks or rebates.
In Maryland, utility companies are required to meet specific renewable energy targets, and they can fulfill a portion of these obligations by purchasing SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) from solar system owners. SRECs are organically generated over time. In Maryland, you receive one SREC for every 1,000 kWh (or 1 MWh) of solar energy produced by your system.
To sell SRECs, solar system owners typically work with an SREC broker who acts as an intermediary in the marketplace. The broker helps facilitate the sale by listing the SRECs for sale and connecting buyers (utility companies) with sellers (solar system owners). The SREC broker ensures that the transactions are executed securely and in compliance with the relevant regulations.
The price of SRECs is determined by supply and demand dynamics in the marketplace. The demand for SRECs is driven by the renewable energy targets set by the state, while the supply is determined by the amount of solar energy generated and the number of SRECs issued. As a result, the price of SRECs can fluctuate over time.
The income generated from these sales can help offset the upfront costs of installing a solar energy system — making solar panel costs in MD more financially attractive and accessible.
Net Metering is a simple process to understand. Going Solar doesn’t take you off the grid. In fact, you’re still directly tied into the grid with the same electric provider you are currently using.
If you own your solar system, there will be times when your solar panels will actually produce more electricity than what you use in your home. When this happens, your electric meter will actually run backward and provide bill credits towards any electricity you may use from the grid.
The U.S. government offers a federal solar tax credit or Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to stimulate the adoption of solar energy systems. This incentive permits taxpayers to deduct a portion of their solar PV system cost from their federal income taxes. Applicable to residential systems, the tax credit has no maximum limit and requires the system’s installation within the tax year. The ITC was 26% for systems installed in 2020 and 2021, but it was increased to 30% for 2022 to 2032 installations. Post-2032, it’s set to gradually decrease and expire by 2035, unless renewed.
Learn more about Solar Tax Credits on the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website.
Customers choose Lumina Solar as their preferred solar installer for several reasons. Our professionalism is evident in our smooth and effective installation process, led by our knowledgeable solar consultants. Our versatility is also evident in the fact that we handle both residential and commercial projects of varying scales.
Moreover, our clients value the comprehensive services we provide, encompassing not just solar installation but also roofing services and consistent maintenance. Our unwavering commitment to quality, meticulous attention to detail, and devotion to ensuring customer satisfaction position us as a top pick for those in pursuit of dependable and sustainable solar solutions.
A subpar product can affect the performance of your entire solar experience. At Lumina Solar, we searched far and wide until we discovered products we felt our clients would love.
To maximize efficiency of your system, we’ve partnered with industry-leading manufacturers to ensure every step of our process brings the best to the table. Our comprehensive warranty supports this belief wholeheartedly
Our Solar Future content provides an insightful glimpse into the potential of solar energy and the broader clean energy landscape. It highlights a future where solar power plays a significant role by focusing on key areas such as designing energy-efficient environments with solar integration, sustainable transportation, and advancements in solar efficiency to maximize energy generation. This article offers an exciting vision of how solar energy can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
At Lumina Solar, we kickstart our process with a crucial first step: a consultation. During this phase, we have a thorough conversation to discover your home’s energy demand. We use advanced technology with digital AI satellite imagery to check if solar power is a good fit for your property. By looking at your energy use and unique requirements, we make sure that solar energy is the right choice for you. Our goal is to provide a tailored solar solution that meets your energy needs and helps you save money, making the switch to solar both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
After the initial consultation, Lumina Solar moves on to the crucial second stage in our process: the Property Survey. Our dedicated team of surveyors and engineers will visit your property in person to conduct a thorough assessment, paying meticulous attention to detail. During this phase, they will take precise measurements, evaluate your electrical system, inspect your roof and attic, and address any remaining questions you might have. Throughout the entire Property Survey process, your solar consultant will be on hand to assist you, ensuring a smooth and customer-focused experience.
As we move on to the third step, known as permitting, it’s crucial to understand that in some areas and neighborhoods, getting the necessary permits for your solar system installation is a must. This may involve working with local authorities or following HOA rules. At Lumina Solar, we handle the entire application process for you, making your transition to solar power smooth and hassle-free. Our goal is to simplify the permitting process so that you can focus on enjoying the benefits of your upcoming solar investment without worrying about complicated regulations.
Our experienced experts manage the installation of your solar system with the highest level of professionalism. Although most installations are typically finished within a few hours, the time required can vary depending on the system’s size. At Lumina Solar, we emphasize not only the excellence of the installation but also the cleanliness of the work area. Upon completing the installation, you can rest assured that the site will be thoroughly cleaned and maintained, delivering a seamless and gratifying experience for our esteemed customers.
After the installation is completed, we swiftly arrange for a comprehensive system inspection in coordination with the local utility company. It’s crucial to realize that your solar system can only be activated after it successfully clears this inspection and receives the official Permission to Operate (PTO). Our commitment to a rigorous inspection process guarantees that your solar system is not only installed efficiently but is also in full compliance, enabling it to commence producing clean, renewable energy.
Our team conducts a thorough examination of the array of solar incentives in Maryland to make sure you take full advantage of every cost-saving opportunity. If there is a need to fill out any applications, we’ll walk you through the process, offering expert guidance in their submission. Additionally, we provide you with all the essential information and materials to make claiming Maryland solar incentives in the future as easy as possible. This streamlines your journey in solar investment and ensures that you receive the financial benefits you’re entitled to.
In the last phase of our process, System Monitoring and Continuous Support, we put your ongoing satisfaction and system performance first. Through an easy-to-use app, you can conveniently access a comprehensive analysis of your solar system’s performance. But our dedication to your experience continues beyond there. Our dedicated team is always on hand to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have about your solar system and help guide you through utilizing your Maryland SRECs. This continuous support ensures that you have the information and assistance necessary to maximize the benefits of your solar investment, backed by our expertise and unwavering commitment to your contentment.
Maryland is at the forefront of prioritizing clean energy making significant strides toward a sustainable future. As systems and energy consumption patterns continue to evolve, staying ahead of the curve in Maryland is a great advantage. By taking advantage of MD solar incentives and adopting clean energy solutions, residents can benefit from the state’s progressive initiatives. Investing in solar energy not only reduces dependence on traditional energy sources but also positions individuals and businesses as forward-thinking pioneers in the transition to a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.
Using solar energy is not only a smart financial decision but also an important step in reducing your environmental footprint. Here are some ways you can reduce your carbon footprint with a solar energy system:
Get started on your solar journey with expert guidance and efficient installation from Lumina Solar. Contact us today to see the difference solar can make for your home or business.
Get started on your solar journey with expert guidance and efficient installation from Lumina Solar. Contact us today to see the difference solar can make for your home or business.
