Baltimore Solar Overview
Baltimore offers a strong solar market with good state incentives and favorable BGE net metering policies. Maryland has set aggressive renewable energy targets, and the state's SREC market adds additional value to solar investments. Moderate electricity rates and decent sunshine make Baltimore a solid market for residential solar.
BGE Programs
BGE Net Metering
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) serves the Baltimore metro area with net metering:
- Full retail credit: Excess generation credited at retail rate
- Monthly rollover: Credits carry forward 12 months
- System size limit: 200% of annual usage (generous)
- Interconnection: Standard Maryland process
BGE Rate Details
| Rate Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Rate | ~$0.14-0.17/kWh |
| Net Metering Credit | Full retail rate |
| Customer Charge | ~$8-12/month (not offset) |
| Time-of-Use | Optional program available |
Maryland Solar Incentives
State Incentives
- Maryland SRECs: Earn ~$60-80 per SREC (market varies)
- Property tax exemption: Solar exempt from property tax increases
- Sales tax exemption: No sales tax on solar equipment
- Clean Energy Grant: State rebate program (when funded)
Maryland SRECs
Maryland's SREC market is one of the stronger Mid-Atlantic markets:
- Value: ~$60-80 per SREC (fluctuates)
- Annual earning: ~7-8 SRECs for a 7 kW system
- Additional income: $400-600/year
- Sold through: SREC brokers or aggregators
Federal Tax Credit (2026 Update)
| Purchase Type | Federal Credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash/Loan Purchase | None (25D expired) | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| PPA/Lease | 30% (48E) | Through Dec 2027 |
Costs & Savings in Baltimore
Typical System Costs
| System Size | Gross Cost | Est. Annual Value* |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,000-15,500 | $950-1,150 |
| 7 kW | $19,500-22,000 | $1,350-1,600 |
| 10 kW | $28,000-31,000 | $1,900-2,300 |
*Includes electricity savings + SREC income
Savings Breakdown
- Electricity offset: $170-200/year per kW
- SREC income: $60-85/year per kW
- Total value: $230-285/year per kW
- Payback period: 8-11 years
- 25-year savings: $25,000-42,000
Baltimore-Specific Considerations
Row Homes
Baltimore has many row homes, similar to Philadelphia:
- Flat roofs: Common and suitable for solar
- Limited roof area: May limit system size
- Shared walls: Simplified installation (no side roof edges)
- East-west facing: Many row homes face this direction
Climate Factors
- Four seasons: Good production variation, peak in summer
- Moderate snow: Light accumulation; panels self-clear
- Humidity: Summer humidity has minimal impact
- Storms: Occasional severe weather; ensure proper installation
Baltimore City vs County
- Baltimore City: More row homes, denser urban environment
- Baltimore County: More single-family homes with larger roofs
- Same utility: Both served by BGE with same rates
- Permitting: Slightly different processes, same state incentives
The Bottom Line
Baltimore is a solid solar market with good economics. BGE's net metering and Maryland's SREC market create favorable returns. Payback periods of 8-11 years are typical, making it competitive with many Mid-Atlantic markets.
Best candidates: Homeowners with south-facing roofs (flat or pitched), electric bills over $100/month, and plans to stay 8+ years. Row home owners can still benefit but should get accurate shading analysis.
SREC advantage: Maryland's stronger SREC market compared to some neighboring states provides meaningful additional income. Track SREC values and work with a knowledgeable installer or broker to maximize this benefit.
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