Maryland Launches Solar Grant Program Offering Up to $7,500 for Eligible Households

The Maryland Energy Administration has just launched an exciting new initiative, the Maryland Solar Access program, as part of the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024 recently signed by Governor Wes Moore. This program is a game-changer, offering major incentives for income-eligible households to install solar panels, helping more Marylanders save on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprints.

Here's the scoop: the Maryland Solar Access program provides up to $7,500 per household, based on $750 per installed kilowatt hour of DC solar capacity. This aligns with the 2023 Maryland Task Force's recommendations on solar incentives. According to Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky, this program is all about making solar power accessible and affordable for hardworking families, supporting the state's energy and climate goals outlined in the Climate Solutions Now Act.

Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants, including those with third-party owned solar systems. Detailed information on eligibility and program rules will be available in a Funding Opportunity Announcement later this year. In the meantime, if you're interested, you can visit the Maryland Energy Administration’s Maryland Solar Access program webpage to check out the Notice of Intent and Request for Information. They’re seeking feedback to ensure the program makes the biggest impact possible, with responses due by June 30, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

This fantastic new program will take over from the long-running Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program, which wraps up on November 30 or when funds run out. For more details, head to the program's webpage.

But that's not all! The Brighter Tomorrow Act also introduces a measure to streamline solar permitting through Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+), a technology developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The Maryland Energy Administration will provide grant funding to local governments for this pilot program, making the permitting process faster and simpler. Director Pinsky is optimistic about this collaboration, ensuring an efficient and fair transition to clean energy for every Marylander.

This new initiative is a huge step forward in making solar energy more accessible and affordable for all and marks a positive step forward in creating a world without emissions!

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