The Upsides (What Makes Solar Attractive in Anne Arundel County)

1. Strong Financial Incentives
- There’s a federal tax credit (ITC) that covers about 30% of the cost of solar systems. EnergySage+1
- At the state/local level, Anne Arundel County offers a property tax credit up to $2,500 for residential solar and geothermal systems. Find Energy+3wattbuild.com+3celestialsolarinnovations.com+3
- Solar equipment and installation are exempt from Maryland’s sales tax, reducing upfront cost. wattbuild.com+1
- Maryland also runs the new Solar Access Program (MSAP), offering grants of up to about $7,500 for income‐eligible homeowners. Solar United Neighbors+2Maryland Energy Administration+2

2. Good Cost Payback Opportunity
- In Anne Arundel County, the average cost for a 5 kW system is around $13,639 before incentives. With federal, state, and county incentives, that cost comes down substantially. EnergySage
- Some estimates say payback periods are 5–8 years depending on roof exposure, how much electricity you use, and how many incentives you can apply. Find Energy+1

3. Environmental & Community Benefits
- Solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps lessen dependence on fossil fuels. For example, a county project in Millersville is producing clean electricity and offsetting a significant portion of usage. Anne Arundel County Government
- Projects on under‐used lands (e.g. closed landfills) are being pursued in Anne Arundel, turning what might be idle property into a clean energy asset. Anne Arundel County Government

4. Favorable Regulations / Credits without Property Tax Penalties
- Maryland law makes sure that installing solar panels won’t increase your property taxes based on the added value of the panels. wattbuild.com+2Solar United Neighbors+2
- The permitting process in Anne Arundel is clearly defined: you’ll need a residential solar (building) permit; there are plan submittals, etc. Anne Arundel County Government

The Downsides / Challenges (What to Watch Out For)

1. Upfront Cost Still Significant
- Even with incentives, the initial cost (equipment, installation, permitting) is high. Not everyone will have a quick return if their usage is low or roof orientation / shading is suboptimal. EnergySage
- Also, if your roof needs repair or replacement, it’s better to do that before or at same time as solar installation, otherwise you may need to remove/ reinstall panels, adding cost. (This is commonly noted in local feedback.) Reddit

2. Dependence on Roof Orientation, Shade, and Local Weather
- Solar output depends heavily on how much sun your roof gets. Trees, surrounding buildings, or shade can reduce production and lengthen payback.
- Maryland has a decent level of sun overall, but winter months and shorter days reduce output. As with many places, “solar arbitrage” is less in winter.

3. Variable Incentives & Changing Policies
- Incentives change over time. Some rebate programs have ended or are winding down. For example, Maryland’s Clean Energy Rebate Program had deadlines. EnergySage+1
- The federal tax credit (ITC) may not last forever at its current level; changes could reduce the benefit.

4. Regulation, Permits, and Installation Complexity
- Permitting requirements in Anne Arundel require detailed plans. If your system is large or unusual (carports, ground‐mounted, etc.), complexity increases. Anne Arundel County Government
- Electrical interconnection, building code, and possible homeowners association (HOA) restrictions could cause delays or add cost.

5. Maintenance & Durability
- While solar panels are quite durable and warranties are improving, over 20‐25 years there will be some maintenance: cleaning, possibly replacing inverters, dealing with roof repairs under panels, etc.
- Also, performance degrades slowly over time, so you’ll get slightly less output in later years.

Bottom Line

For many homeowners in Anne Arundel County, solar panels can be a very smart investment. The combination of state & local incentives, favorable tax treatment, and county efforts toward clean energy make the economic case much stronger than in places without those supports. If your house has good sun exposure, a roof in good condition, and you use enough electricity, the payback can be reasonable.
However, it’s not guaranteed to be cost‐effective for everyone. For people with shaded roofs, or who only use a small amount of electricity, you’ll want to run the numbers carefully. Also, since incentives and prices change, doing the calculations very recently is important.