MD state report

Is a home battery worth it in Maryland?

Maryland's old battery tax credit is dead and the successor RCES grant is between rounds (FY26 closed, FY27 expected summer 2026), so in 2026 do not assume a live state incentive. Above-average rates and 1-to-1 net metering plus backup carry the case. Check MEA for the next grant opening.

✓ Verified 2026-07-01

Maryland at a glance

Average residential rate: 22 cents per kWh
Net metering: Statewide 1-to-1 net metering available for residential solar (Maryland PSC rules). Confirm current terms with your utility (BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, Potomac Edison).
State battery incentive: The Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit EXPIRED at the end of calendar year 2024. Its successor, the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage (RCES) Grant Program, exists but the FY26 round ($2M budget) is fully subscribed and the application portal is CLOSED; a FY27 round is anticipated to open summer 2026. No open residential state incentive as of this date; confirm status with MEA.
Time-of-use plans: Less central here

What drives battery value here

Summer thunderstorms and occasional hurricane remnants cause outages; suburban DC/Baltimore grid is relatively reliable but tree-related outages occur. Backup is a moderate driver. With the state grant round currently closed, present-day value leans on net metering plus outage resilience rather than a rebate.

The federal picture in 2026

The federal residential purchase credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025, so a 2026 cash buyer gets nothing federal. The only surviving federal pathway is Section 48E, which a company claims on a lease or PPA. State and utility programs, where they exist, now do the heavy lifting.

Sources

Rates and incentive amounts change; always confirm current terms with your utility or program administrator.

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Maryland home battery FAQ

Is there a state battery incentive in Maryland?

The Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit EXPIRED at the end of calendar year 2024. Its successor, the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage (RCES) Grant Program, exists but the FY26 round ($2M budget) is fully subscribed and the application portal is CLOSED; a FY27 round is anticipated to open summer 2026. No open residential state incentive as of this date; confirm status with MEA. Confirm current availability and your eligibility with your utility or program administrator before counting on an amount.

What is the average electricity rate in Maryland?

About 22 cents per kWh on average (EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A, April 2026 (22.07 cents/kWh)). Your own rate and rate plan matter more than the state average; run your utility's numbers in the calculator.

Does Maryland have net metering?

Statewide 1-to-1 net metering available for residential solar (Maryland PSC rules). Confirm current terms with your utility (BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, Potomac Edison).