Solar panel costs in Washington, D.C., vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs in Washington, D.C., so you can budget with ease.
Solar Panel Installation Cost in Baltimore [2026 Data]
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Cost Insights
Your solar installation in Baltimore will require hiring a solar contractor and a licensed master electrician.
The Maryland Solar Access Program offers grants to qualified households for solar panel installation.
Baltimore gets about 210 sunny or partly sunny days each year, so there’s plenty of solar energy for your solar panels to capture.
Solar energy is increasing in popularity in Maryland, and if you’re a Baltimore homeowner, you may have considered solar panels to help with electricity costs. Solar panel installation costs in Maryland average $26,544, with a range between $21,315 and $32,354. Estimate your budget for your solar project and get your home running on renewable energy.
Solar Panel Installation Cost Factors
The following are the major cost factors to consider when estimating the total cost of your solar panel installation in Baltimore, Maryland.
Solar System Size
The size of the solar system will impact your solar panel installation costs. The larger the output, the more you’ll pay. Most homes need 6- to 10-kW (kilowatt) systems, which work out to anywhere from 15 to 34 panels, depending on the wattage.
The table below shows average costs based on the size of your solar system:
| Solar System Size (kW) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 | $12,200–$17,100 |
| 6 | $14,650–$20,525 |
| 7 | $17,100–$23,925 |
| 8 | $17,200–$27,350 |
| 9 | $21,975–$30,775 |
| 10 | $24,425–$34,200 |
| 11 | $26,875–$37,625 |
| 12 | $29,300–$41,100 |
Type of Panel
When choosing the type of solar panel that works best for your home, consider three main factors: efficiency, life expectancy, and design. In Baltimore, where average summer temperatures are below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and cloud cover is not uncommon, monocrystalline or thin-film panels are efficient options.
| Type of Solar Panel | Average Cost per Watt | Lifespan (Years) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | $1–$1.50 | 40 | Performs well on days with less sunlight | High cost |
| Polycrystalline | $0.90–$1 | 25–30 | Efficient during moderate summer temperatures | Doesn’t perform as well in cloudy weather |
| Thin film | $0.70–$1 | 10–20 | Performs well in low light conditions | Shorter lifespan, requires more space |
Number of Panels Needed
On average, most homes need anywhere from 20 to 25 panels to fully power a home, but this can range from as few as 15 to as many as 34. How many solar panels you need depends on the number of watts per panel, your energy consumption, and the efficiency of your panels. Your average solar panel will have an output of anywhere from 250 to 400 watts. The dimensions of your solar panels will also depend on the power output.
Solar System Hardware
Keep in mind the following costs for solar system hardware when planning your project.
The more advanced the technology, the higher the up-front cost. The type of mount will affect the cost as well:
Fixed mounts: $10–$15 per mount
Adjustable mounts: $50 per mount
Tracking: $500–$3,000 or more per mount (these mounts can self-track sunlight, leading to up to 45% more energy production)
Other materials you will need for a solar energy system include the parts in the table below.
| Hardware | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| String inverter | $1,000–$3,000 each |
| Microinverters | $150–$300 each |
| Power optimizer | $80–$150 each |
| Solar battery | $400–$15,000 |
Inverter and microinverters: Convert direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity
Optimizer: Regulates currents so each panel is more energy efficient and prevents power loss
Battery: Stores excess energy from the system so homeowners can use it at night or during a power outage
Some systems use a single solar inverter or several microinverters that convert DC to AC electricity. Materials like the wiring and battery are often grouped with the package price unless you opt for add-on services.
Solar Panel Installation Pro Costs
Hiring an experienced pro to install your solar panels is key to making the most of this exciting new home addition. Budget $0.50 per watt for labor when you hire a solar panel pro in Baltimore, Georgia. This number doesn’t include permits or the cost of additional technology, such as special mounts, tiles, or shingles.
Electrical Labor Costs
Solar panel installation does require electrical work. Though many solar panel installation companies have a licensed electrician on staff who specializes in solar panels, roofing contractors sometimes subcontract an electrician. The average cost of hiring an electrician is $60 to $120 per hour.
Permits and Inspections
Your solar installation contractor will apply for and secure the necessary permits for the project. In Baltimore, this includes a residential alteration building permit and an electrical permit. The electrical permit application must be submitted by a licensed and registered master electrician.
After the installation, your contractor will schedule a solar panel inspection, and your system will be approved for use after a successful inspection.
Does Solar Panel Installation Increase Home Value?
Baltimore sees around 210 sunny or partly sunny days each year. With so much sunpower available, it’s no wonder Maryland is one of the fastest-growing states for solar installations. As more homeowners add solar, homebuyers may prefer homes with well-maintained panels.
If you decide to move forward with this home project, the return on investment for solar panels is about 35%, so you might find the expense worth the benefits. The good news is that a study from Zillow estimates that installing solar panels increases home value by 4.1% if you own the system and it’s in good condition.
Pro Tip
Once your solar panels are paid off, they're officially your property. If you move, you can reinstall them on a new rooftop. Alternatively, they can increase the value of your home by 3% to 4% and attract more buyers. They can also give your property a competitive edge in a buyers’ market.
Government Credits and Tax Incentives
The best way to save money on the up-front costs of installing solar panels is to take advantage of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) before it ends on December 31, 2025. The ITC allows homeowners to claim a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the price of their solar panel system installation.
For example, if your solar panel system costs $30,000 before the federal tax credit, you can save around $9,000. However, to benefit from this credit, your solar system has to be installed and working before the federal incentive ends.
The ITC, also known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit, was originally extended through 2032 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. However, new federal legislation (the Big Beautiful Bill Act) signed into law on July 4, 2025, terminated the credit early. The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) outlines the high-level policy changes and restrictions on energy tax credits.
Additionally, the extra power you choose not to store in a battery can be sent back to the grid. Your local utility company will compensate you for that power, but the amount will vary. You can check the Utility Rate Database on Open EI to estimate how much you can expect to receive for generating excess energy.
State or Local Solar Incentives
The Maryland Solar Access Program offers grants for qualified households based on income requirements. The program covers $750 per installed kW (up to $7,500).
Maryland has a property tax exemption, which means the increase in home value after installing a solar panel system won’t be assessed toward your property taxes. The state also has a sales and use tax exemption for solar panels, so homeowners don’t have to pay the 6% sales tax on qualifying equipment.
You might also qualify for a net metering program so you can send excess energy you don’t use back to the utility company for credit toward electricity bills. Lastly, contact your solar pro and utility company to ask about Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which are credits for the amount of energy your panels produce.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Solar panel services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Baltimore, MD
4.7★ avg. • 23 total reviews
- Rahmel A.
I couldn't have been more pleased with Charm City Roofing. Home repairs, especially roof repairs were something I dreaded to think about. My experience with Charm City Roofing changed all of that. Starting with my point of contact Mac who did a WONDERFUL job explaining the process and...
Charm City Roofing - Siomara C.
Jensy was grate to Word with, and i will definnitely will be callung him for my next home imrpovemwnt project. He turned my shower pan into a walk in shower enclosed with glass panel and it turned out amazing; coulnd't be more more poeased with the finished result. I highly recomend and trust...
J & W GENERAL CONTRACTORS LLC - Tiffany P.
Hiring Alba Electric for my Panel Upgrade was the best decision I?ve ever made for my home renovation projects! I have an older row home in the Baltimore area and needed to upgrade the wiring system to make space in my panel for future additions to my electrical service. I hired Alba Electric...
ALBA electric - Debra C.
Terrible customer service, zero follow up. Requested a proposal for solar panel repairs on 8.14.24 and I am still waiting. Even after several attempts via email to get the proposal. I guess they don't want my business. Moving on with another company that will do what they say they are going...
- Cynthia P.
I hired the company to install a 6' privacy fence in August 2015. The contract stated that I have a lifetime warranty. The wind blew apart the panels on one gate on 3/18/2024. I called the company to schedule service. A representative by the name of Richard stated to me that the installation...
Freedom Fence & Deck LLC - Norbou B.
Prompt professional service with competitive price. Talked to a business lead over video call and he asked lots of questions and wanted to see all the electrical panels, install site, etc. very confident that he had a good install plan with the bid. Signed contract, team of three Did the...
Interconnect Electric - Azriel G.
We recently turned on our panels after a Lumina installation. This place is full service. The process of putting up panels takes a ton of steps - inspections before and after, tons of paperwork, and it is complicated. Lumina takes care of it all - I get things scheduled at my convenience,...
Lumina Solar, Inc. - Bliss M.
Great service! Willing to try to service a 9 year old Schuco system they didn't sell. Hard to find good people to do that! Reliable scheduling and transparent/understandable and fair pricing. Knowledgable service tech who arrived on schedule and fully recharged system - he was very...
Solar Energy Services Inc - Ruth B.
I needed to have wall paneling removed and drywall & installation installed in my family room. I contacted several contractors referred by friends and other home owners in my area. I sat-up appointments with them and 1) they didn't show-up, 2) they showed up 3 hrs later, 3) it took...
A -1 Renovations, LLC - Pinkhas L.
Mark replaced electrical panels after they caught fire and burned. He responded very quickly to the request, showed up next day (Sunday) , walked us through all the project steps and started working as soon as possible given the emergency. The installation was very professional,...
Mark H. Anderson Electrical Services, Inc.
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