A Maryland Consumer’s Guide to Solar

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and the Clean Energy States Alliance have developed a Maryland Consumers Guide to Solar, designed to be a resource for Maryland residents considering home solar photovoltaic systems. Solar PV systems are expected to last 25 years or more, it is important for residents to have a good understanding of all aspects of the decision to “go solar.”

The guide discusses the attributes of good residential solar systems, different methods of system ownership or finance, and key questions to ask BEFORE signing a contract. Many of the topics addressed in this document are based on frequently asked questions regarding solar submitted to the MEA, the State of Maryland’s energy office. This solar guidebook also discusses Community Solar, a new pilot program in Maryland that provides solar options for those who rent, as well as for those households who may not have good solar access due to shadowing from trees or other buildings.