Solar resource
Your solar production in Baltimore
4.6 avg peak sun hours/day
Monthly avg solar radiation (kWh/m²/day) — Baltimore, MD. Bars update to show estimated kWh production when you use the calculator above.
Utility rate
BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) electricity rate
$0.166/kWh residential
- Utility
- BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric)
- Residential rate
- $0.166/kWh (blended)
BGE customers can interconnect rooftop solar and receive bill credit treatment under Maryland net metering rules. Maryland's solar carve-out under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) creates a meaningful SREC market — MD SREC prices are meaningfully stronger than Ohio's small-tier market. BGE net metering credits export at the full retail rate.
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Incentives
Available solar incentives in Baltimore, MD
Federal + state + utility
| Incentive | Type | Value | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | Tax Credit | 30% of system cost | Federal |
| Maryland SREC market | Srec | Eligible systems generate MD SRECs; Maryland's solar carve-out under the RPS supports a more active SREC market than Ohio | State |
| BGE net metering | Net Metering | Retail rate credit for excess solar exported to the grid under Maryland PSC net metering rules | Utility |
| Maryland Community Solar | Rebate | Option to subscribe to off-site community solar if rooftop solar is not feasible | State |
Incentive amounts and eligibility rules change. Verify current terms with your installer and a tax professional before installation.
System cost
Cost breakdown (6 kW default)
- Gross system cost
- $20300
- Federal ITC (30%)
- −$6090
- Net system cost
- $14,210
- Installed cost per watt
- $2.9/W
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Tracking the Sun 2024 — Mid-Atlantic median installed cost for systems 3–10 kW.
Payback & long-term value
25-year outlook
- Annual savings (yr 1)
- $1,336
- Simple payback period
- 10.6 years
- 25-year net savings
- $31900
- Assumed annual rate increase
- 2.5%/year
25-year estimate uses flat electricity rate for conservative baseline. Accounting for 2.5% annual rate increases, lifetime savings increase substantially.
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How it works
How solar savings work in Baltimore
- Baltimore has a solid Mid-Atlantic solar resource Baltimore averages 4.6 peak sun hours per day — comparable to Philadelphia and Washington, DC, and meaningfully better than Pittsburgh or Cleveland. A 7 kW system produces roughly 8,050 kWh per year, peaking May through August.
- BGE net metering credits your bill at the retail rate Under Maryland PSC net metering rules, BGE credits excess solar exported to the grid at the full retail rate. Credits carry forward month-to-month, maximizing the value of spring and summer overproduction against winter bills.
- Maryland's SREC market adds income on top of bill savings Every 1,000 kWh a Baltimore solar system generates earns one Maryland SREC. Maryland's RPS solar carve-out sustains a more active SREC market than Ohio. A 7 kW system generating ~8,050 kWh/year produces approximately 8 SRECs annually — check current MD SREC prices at SRECTrade.com.
- The 30% federal ITC is the largest upfront incentive In the installation year, claim a 30% federal ITC on the full installed cost — $6,090 on a $20,300 system — reducing federal income taxes owed. This is the largest single factor bringing Baltimore payback into a reasonable band.
- BGE residential rates make self-consumption highly valuable At a modeled BGE bill-impact rate of $0.166/kWh, Baltimore ranks among the stronger Mid-Atlantic bill-savings markets. Every kWh consumed directly from your solar system avoids the full retail rate.
- Simple payback is approximately 10.6 years before SREC income At $1,336/year in bill savings and $14,210 net system cost after the ITC, simple payback is approximately 10.6 years. Maryland SREC income and any rate increases improve this timeline further.
FAQ
Common solar savings questions for Baltimore, MD
How much can I save with solar in Baltimore, MD?
A 7 kW system in Baltimore produces roughly 8,050 kWh per year and saves approximately $1,336 per year at BGE's modeled bill-impact rate of $0.166/kWh. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,090), net system cost is about $14,210 — giving a simple payback of approximately 10.6 years. Maryland SREC income further reduces effective payback.
Does BGE allow rooftop solar interconnection?
Yes. Baltimore homeowners can interconnect residential solar with BGE under Maryland PSC net metering rules, subject to the normal BGE interconnection application and approval process. BGE credits excess solar at the full retail rate.
How does the Maryland SREC market work?
Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard includes a solar energy carve-out that requires electricity suppliers to source a share of supply from solar. Each 1,000 kWh a Maryland solar system generates earns one SREC that can be sold to suppliers. MD SREC prices are generally stronger than Ohio's thin market — check SRECTrade.com or Flett Exchange for current pricing.
Is Baltimore a good solar market?
Yes. Baltimore combines a solid 4.6 peak sun hour resource, BGE's meaningful retail rate, Maryland's active SREC market, and the 30% federal ITC. It is a stronger mid-Atlantic solar market than Pittsburgh or Cleveland, though not as incentive-rich as New Jersey or DC.
How many solar panels does a Baltimore home need?
Most Baltimore homes land in the 6–9 kW range — roughly 16–24 panels at 380–400 W each. Use the calculator with your monthly BGE bill to estimate your ideal system size. Right-sizing matters because winter production slows significantly in the Mid-Atlantic.
How does the Baltimore deck permit page connect to this project?
If you are evaluating multiple home improvement projects, the Baltimore deck permit guide covers the DHCD process, Maryland Building Performance Standards requirements, and frost-depth footing rules. Many Baltimore homeowners plan solar and deck projects in the same budget cycle.
Sources
Data sources and freshness
- https://developer.nrel.gov/docs/solar/pvwatts/v8/
- https://www.bge.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/Rates.aspx
- https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/net-metering/
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics
- https://dsireusa.org/
- https://www.srectrade.com/
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only — not financial or investment advice. Solar savings depend on actual shading, roof orientation, energy usage patterns, rate changes, and equipment performance. Consult a licensed installer and a tax professional before making purchasing decisions. Verify incentive eligibility with official sources. Data last verified 2026-04-19.