Maryland Striving to Make Power from the Sun Affordable to Everyone
The Maryland Energy Administration announced the availability of new rounds of incentives under two programs that help Marylanders experiencing low and moderate incomes install solar energy systems on their homes. This enables recipients to pay less for their electric bills and helps Maryland combat the emissions that contribute to climate change.
“These programs are win-win propositions for Marylanders, who are enabled to install solar energy systems at greatly reduced costs and then reap real long-term savings on their utility bills by doing so,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Both programs create opportunities for Maryland residents, non-profit organizations and local governments to tap into the sun’s power to satisfy household electricity needs, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and utility bills at the same time.”
The Maryland Solar Access Program, a new initiative created by the 2024 Brighter Tomorrow Act, will provide up to $7,500 for an income-qualified household to install a solar energy system. The first-come, first served program will make available a total of $15 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The program requires solar installers that would like to participate in the program to apply for inclusion on an approved contractors list. Full details are available on the program’s website.
Now in its fourth year, the Solar Energy Equity Grant Program offers grants to Maryland nonprofits, counties and municipalities to help install solar energy systems on the homes of low-to-moderate income, overburdened and underserved Marylanders. New in FY25, household income limits have been expanded to ensure that the cost savings and sustainability improvements that solar energy provides are more accessible to traditionally under-resourced Maryland communities. The program anticipates distributing $10 million in grants in FY25. The full Funding Opportunity Announcement is available on the program’s website.
Funding for both programs comes from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (not Maryland’s General Fund).
