Maryland Solar Incentives: Programs, SRECs, and What to Verify
Short answer: Maryland's solar incentive picture in 2026 is made up of a state grant program whose funding rounds open and close (the Maryland Solar Access Program), an SREC market whose value flows to whoever owns the system, county-level and utility-level differences, and a federal residential credit that, per IRS guidance, is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Because every one of these can change, the reliable approach is to verify each item against its official source at the time you are deciding, and this guide links those sources.
By the Next Gen Solar editorial team · Published July 21, 2026 · Last reviewed July 21, 2026
State programs change; check the source, not a blog post
Maryland's former Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program was phased out after fiscal year 2025. The state's current residential solar grant vehicle is the Maryland Solar Access Program, administered by the Maryland Energy Administration. Its application windows, funding levels, and eligibility criteria, including contractor requirements, can change from round to round. We deliberately do not state here whether a round is currently open, because that answer goes stale. Check the official page, and treat any installer's claim that a grant is "guaranteed" with skepticism until you confirm it there.
Maryland has also historically provided favorable property-tax treatment for qualifying residential solar equipment. Because tax rules are set by statute and administered locally, confirm the current treatment with your county or the state before counting it in your decision.
SRECs: value that follows ownership
Maryland systems can generate Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which electricity suppliers buy to meet the state's renewable portfolio requirements. Two things determine whether SRECs matter to you:
- Ownership: if you buy the system (cash or loan), the SRECs are typically yours to register and sell; under a lease or PPA the system owner generally retains them unless the contract says otherwise
- Market price: Maryland's SREC market is separate from DC's, and prices move with supply, demand, and policy; past prices are not a guarantee of future value
Whatever structure you choose, get the SREC allocation stated in the contract. Our PPA vs. ownership guide covers the broader ownership question.
The federal residential credit after 2025
For years the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit was a large line item in solar economics. Per IRS guidance, that residential credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. A Maryland homeowner buying a system in 2026 should therefore not assume the residential federal credit applies to their purchase. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and current law, so consult a tax professional rather than relying on a sales presentation for tax conclusions. Under third-party ownership structures such as PPAs, any tax incentives belong to the system owner, subject to what that owner qualifies for under current law.
Utility, county, and HOA differences
Two Maryland homes a few miles apart can face different rules. The main variables:
| Variable | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Utility territory | In our service area homes are typically served by Pepco or BGE; interconnection applications, review timelines, and net metering billing mechanics are set by each utility's process and tariff |
| County permitting | Permits run through county offices (for example Montgomery County DPS or Prince George's County DPIE), each with its own process and review times |
| HOA or condo rules | Associations can have architectural review requirements for rooftop work; ask yours about its process early, and check current Maryland rules on what associations may restrict |
| Historic designations | Some properties face additional review for exterior changes |
Information to gather before requesting a proposal
A proposal is only as good as its inputs. Having these ready makes any installer's numbers more meaningful:
- Twelve months of electric bills, or at least your annual kWh usage
- Your utility name (Pepco, BGE, or other) and account type
- Roof age, material, and any known issues or planned replacement
- Whether your home is in an HOA, condo association, or historic district
- Your county, since permitting runs through county offices
- Whether you are considering purchase, loan, or PPA, or want all three compared
- Any planned electrical changes, such as an EV charger or heat pump, that would change your usage
When you are ready, our Maryland solar page explains how we build cost-competitive proposals from your actual roof and usage, and you can contact us to start.
Sources and update policy
This guide was written by the Next Gen Solar editorial team and last reviewed on July 21, 2026. Programs, agency procedures, utility requirements, and incentive rules change. Before relying on any statement here, verify current eligibility and requirements with the primary sources below or with the relevant agency or utility.
- Maryland Energy Administration: Maryland Solar Access Program · Official program page; check it directly for current funding-round status and eligibility.
- IRS: Residential Clean Energy Credit · Federal guidance, including the rule that the residential credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.