Gaithersburg, MD Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Gaithersburg
If you live in Gaithersburg, you’ve likely noticed your electricity bills climbing. With Maryland’s residential rates averaging 17.88 cents per kWh, many homeowners are exploring solar.
Maryland ranks 10th in the nation for residential solar installations, and Gaithersburg homeowners are part of that movement. In this guide, we’ll explain what solar installation looks like here. New to the topic? Start with our home solar panels guide.
MARYLAND by the Numbers
10th Most residential solar in the United States
100 Households have installed solar panels
4.8 Avg peak sun hours per day
~$92k Gaithersburg average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Gaithersburg, MD?
See real solar installation costs in Gaithersburg, built from our actual local install data across neighborhoods like Kentlands, Montgomery Village, Washingtonian, and Quince Orchard. This calculator gives you a clear, honest estimate based on homes like yours—so you can understand your solar options with confidence.
LeaseCash Purchase
Small Home Up to 2,000 sq ft
Medium Home 2,000-3,000 sq ft
Large Home Over 3,000 sq ft
System Size
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in Maryland.
Recommended System
10.25 kW
Your Monthly Payment
Estimated monthly cost with LightReach
$124/mo
As low as
$124/mo
Why Lease Solar?
Following the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, the federal 30% solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases. With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and still qualifies for the commercial ITC — passing those savings through to you via lower monthly payments.
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
System Cost
$29,165
Price per Watt
$2.85
Final Cost
$29,165
Savings
Your total financial benefit
Monthly Savings
Average utility bill reduction
$210
Payback Period
Break-even point
9.9 years
25-Year
Savings
$91,889
Palmetto Reviews
Palmetto Solar has been nothing but solid for me. Their app is clean, easy to use, and honestly kind of addictive — I catch myself checking my energy production like it’s a scoreboard. And the savings on my electric bill are the real deal. Every month I’m seeing the difference. Their customer service deserves a shoutout too. Every time I reached out, they were friendly, patient, and actually helpful. No runaround, no “we’ll get back to you someday” energy — just people who know their stuff and take care of you. If you’re thinking about going solar, Palmetto makes the whole thing smooth, simple, and worth it.
- Jesse Richardson, Maryland, Maryland
I resisted going solar for years because of the cost of installation that many quoted when they came to my door. Someone finally came to my door from Palmetto and offered a solar plan that didn’t cost me a penny to install the solar at all. They looked at my power bill and told me how many panels they would install and that they would only bill me $83 dollars a month. My wife and I did that math, and we said okay. After everything was installed and up and running, they sent me an email that said my monthly bill would only be $63 a month instead of the $83. I said, “Great”. Through the entire process they notified me of everything that happening from them getting permits from the city, to installers coming out, etc. So far I’m very pleased with their service and the money I’m saving.
- Steve Shaw, Virginia, Virginia
Palmetto Solar is a fantastic solar company to work with. They provide great communication every step of the way. Customer service is excellent! Keeping their customers fully informed of just how simple the solar install, and payment set up is; plus keeping my expectations of the process very simple. They are available to speak to, which makes it easy to understand how things work once all is completed. I highly recommend Palmetto Solar.
- Maria Margaritis, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Key Takeaways
Gaithersburg homeowners can save around $92,000 over 25 years with solar, as Maryland’s electricity rates have climbed from 13.1¢ to 17.9¢ per kWh since 2021.
Maryland’s state and local incentives are still available, including sales and property tax exemptions, net metering, SRECs, and rebates that help lower your solar costs.
Leasing solar through LightReach means no upfront cost, since Palmetto owns the system, handles all maintenance, and passes savings to you through lower monthly payments.
Gaithersburg Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Gaithersburg have climbed steadily, and understanding those numbers helps explain why so many neighbors are looking at solar installation.
Maryland’s residential rates rose from 13.1 cents per kWh in 2021 to 17.9 cents per kWh in 2024. That’s a significant jump in just three years, and it now sits above the national average.
Solar panel installation lets Gaithersburg homeowners generate their own power instead of relying entirely on the grid. By producing electricity at home, you reduce how much you buy at those rising utility rates.
Over time, a solar installation can bring more predictable energy costs to your Gaithersburg home. As rates continue to climb, locking in your own power production offers lasting value year after year.
Price of Energy: Maryland vs National Average
0¢
10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
13.1¢
15.0¢
14.5¢
16.0¢
16.6¢
16.5¢
17.9¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
Maryland
Gaithersburg Area Utility Providers
Curious about solar installation in Gaithersburg? Start by knowing your rates. In 2023, Pepco charged 18.2¢ per kWh and Potomac Edison 11.7¢, compared to Maryland’s 16.60¢ average.
Gaithersburg Utilities Electricity Rates
| Provider | Rate (¢/kWh) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Pepco | 18.20 | +14% |
| Potomac Edison | 11.70 | -27% |
| MD Average | 16.60 | +4% |
| US Average | 16.0 | — |
Maryland Solar Incentives
Gaithersburg homeowners can tap into several solar incentives in Maryland that help offset the cost of installing solar and lower your upfront investment.
These programs include:
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) | Rebate | A state grant providing $750 per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, up to $7,500, for income-eligible Maryland homeowners. | Learn More |
| Maryland Solar Access Bridge Fund | Rebate | A 2026 state grant program designed to replace the financial value of the expired federal Residential Clean Energy Credit for qualifying Maryland homeowners who install solar. | Learn More |
| Maryland Residential and Commercial Energy Storage (RCES) Grant | Rebate | A state grant covering up to 30% of installed costs or $5,000 (residential) for grid-connected battery energy storage systems, replacing the former Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit. | Learn More |
| Maryland Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Equipment | Sales Tax Exemption | Maryland exempts all solar energy equipment from the state’s 6% sales and use tax, reducing the upfront cost of a solar installation automatically at the point of sale. | Learn More |
| Maryland Property Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Equipment | Property Tax Exemption | Maryland provides a 100% statewide property tax exemption on the added home value from solar panel installations, so homeowners pay no additional property taxes after going solar. | Learn More |
| Maryland Net Metering Program | Net Metering | Maryland requires utilities to credit solar owners at the full retail electricity rate for excess power sent to the grid, with credits rolling over indefinitely and no forced annual cash-out. | Learn More |
| Maryland Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | SREC | Maryland solar owners earn one tradeable SREC for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity their system generates, which can be sold to utilities for additional income. | Learn More |
| Montgomery County Green Bank Solar Financing | Rebate | The Montgomery County Green Bank offers low-interest solar loan financing, including 0% interest for the first 10 years for homes in Equity Emphasis Areas, making solar accessible to more county residents. |
Gaithersburg Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Gaithersburg enjoys four distinct seasons, with sunny summers and shorter winter days. Despite occasional clouds and snow, its solar potential is strong year-round, making it a great place for panels.
Solar Production in Gaithersburg by Month
| System Size | Daylight Hours | Energy Production (kWh/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | ||
| 7 kW | ||
| 10 kW |
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.1 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 15 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 4.7 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 1.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 12 hours
- or Fully charge 2.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
13,752 kWh/year
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 165 trees
Solar Panel Systems in Gaithersburg
We mapped solar installations across the United States, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore the interactive map below to see how many homes in your Gaithersburg community have made the switch to solar.
Solar Customers
179-2567
49-176
13-48
1-12
Leasing Solar Panels
In Gaithersburg, Palmetto offers solar through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), available across every major Maryland utility, including Pepco, BG&E, and Potomac Edison. With a PPA, you simply pay a set price for each kilowatt-hour your panels produce, so bills track with the seasons and rise a bit in sunny summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gaithersburg, MD have net metering?
Yes, Gaithersburg, MD has net metering. Maryland requires utilities like Pepco, BG&E, and Potomac Edison to credit solar customers at the full retail rate for excess power sent to the grid, offering a true 1:1 benefit.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Gaithersburg, MD?
Yes. When you own your solar panels—through a cash purchase or loan—they can raise your Gaithersburg home’s value. A Zillow study found homes with solar sell for about 4.1% more, and Maryland exempts that added value from property tax.
How much does it cost to go solar in Gaithersburg, MD?
In Gaithersburg, the most accessible way to go solar is with a LightReach lease. You pay a low, fixed monthly payment—starting around $124/mo for a medium home—with no upfront cost. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, so you simply enjoy the savings from day one.