As most Maryland business owners know, recent legislative changes have impacted the viability of solar panels for thousands of businesses. However, as major utility providers continue increasing prices due to labor, material, and infrastructure costs, solar solutions remain a viable way for businesses to make their energy costs more transparent and manageable.
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This article details how Maryland business owners can reduce operating costs and achieve greater financial stability with commercial solar panels. We’ll review the many benefits of solar panels, including utility cost reductions and higher operational efficiency, and how businesses can achieve lasting sustainability and meet compliance requirements in 2026 and beyond.
How Solar Panels Reduce Commercial Energy Costs in Maryland
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data indicates that the average energy cost for Maryland businesses in September 2025 was 15.13 cents per kWh. This is an increase of nearly 2 cents per kWh compared to September 2024, and due to inflation and planned infrastructure increases, this rate will likely continue to increase. Implementing solar energy allows Maryland business owners to offset rising energy bills with a stable alternative.
Unlike on-grid power, solar power is not subject to the same infrastructure cost increases, since the installation will be completed and owned either by the business itself or by the solar company, in the case of a lease. On labor and material costs alone, this future-proofs the business’s utility expenses as the cost of maintaining solar panels remains relatively stable.
Essential Takeaway: Solar panels reduce costs for Maryland business owners by giving them energy independence and offsetting inflation and legislative changes that increase on-grid energy costs.
Additional Benefits of Solar Panels for Maryland Businesses
In addition to lowering energy costs, solar panels can lower operating costs for businesses in other ways:
Commercial and Canopy Solar Program
Maryland business owners who are interested in purchasing solar panels likely know that federal tax credits for solar panels have changed. However, the Commercial and Canopy Solar Program (CCSP) still exists to streamline solar savings for Maryland businesses in much the same way as the Maryland Solar Access Program does for residents.
Funding is limited, so businesses should be aware of their nearest deadlines and any new eligibility requirements for their application year. Additionally, only businesses in eligible areas can apply for the CCSP. Explore the Maryland Energy Administration for additional information.
Note: Businesses can also qualify for the Federal Tax Credit, provided their solar utilities are turned on by 12/31/27. This credit can compensate businesses for up to 30% of their installation costs, provided they meet specific criteria.
Property Value Increases
Commercial properties with solar arrays gain additional benefits depending on the industry and the owner’s long-term goals. For buyers, tenants, clients, and investors alike, solar panels demonstrate not only long-term value but also a commitment to sustainability. In addition to energy savings, reduced operating costs can increase property owners’ net operating income (NOI), thereby improving property value.
Essential Takeaway: By future-proofing the business against rising energy costs while boosting property values, investments in solar arrays deliver both immediate ROI and long-term returns.
State-Sponsored Benefits
In Maryland, business owners can take advantage of solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) to offset the cost of their installation. A solar broker will sell the SRECs on a dedicated market to help the facility break even on its solar investment sooner.
SRECs provide business owners with a way to indirectly reduce operating costs by leveraging the fact that they own the solar array, even if it was purchased with a loan. This potential revenue stream should inform the decision of how to finance the solar array to make sure it can be used to lower operating costs as much as possible.
Note: Businesses that lease their solar systems cannot take advantage of SRECs since the solar company would still own the array and thus any tax or credit advantages it may provide.
Experienced Solar Installers Help Businesses Lower Operating Costs
At Energy Select, our experienced team recognizes that businesses in Maryland struggle with rising utility bills, a lack of cost transparency, and limited visibility on the ROI of their energy investments. Our goal is to deliver commercial solar strategies that not only reduce costs but also give business owners access to incentives, efficiency upgrades, and regulatory compliance measures to maximize the potential of their new solar arrays.
Contact our team to learn how an investment in solar energy can reduce energy costs and contribute to a greener footprint for your business.