HB 990 extends the deadline for solar energy systems to be placed in service from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031, to qualify for Maryland's Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program. It also doubles the total in-state generating capacity cap for systems between 20 kilowatts and 5 megawatts - from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts. This directly affects solar developers and property owners installing systems in this size range, particularly those on rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, or industrial sites. The changes aim to support broader solar adoption by providing more time for installation and increasing available capacity under the program.
SB 669 extends the deadline for solar energy systems to be placed in service to qualify for Maryland's Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program, changing the window from 2024-2028 to 2024-2031. It also doubles the statewide capacity cap for medium-sized systems (20 kilowatts to 5 megawatts) from 270 megawatts to 540 megawatts, specifically for systems installed on rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, or industrial water sites. This bill directly affects residential, commercial, and community solar system owners seeking certification under the program, enabling more installations while maintaining eligibility rules for smaller systems under 20 kilowatts.
This bill establishes a 5% acreage limit for solar energy projects in Maryland's certified "priority preservation areas" (agricultural lands). Counties can count solar projects on brownfields, school rooftops, or other underutilized land toward this 5% limit, allowing more development in these areas. It also restricts large solar projects (>5MW) from certain residential or growth zones and requires counties to report when the 5% cap is reached. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 1607 removes a restriction preventing community solar projects from being placed on adjacent parcels if their combined capacity exceeded 5 megawatts. It allows such projects on adjacent land if the total capacity stays under 10 megawatts, provided at least 75% of the energy serves low- or moderate-income subscribers, or the site uses agrivoltaics (combining solar with agriculture). This directly affects community solar developers and property owners seeking to expand solar installations on connected properties. The bill maintains existing exceptions (like rooftop or industrial sites) while adding new conditions to support equitable access for underserved communities.
This bill creates Maryland's GREEN Loan Program, providing no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for solar panels, energy-efficient building upgrades (like new windows or HVAC systems), and related planning. Nonprofits must contribute 10% of project costs, with priority given to those with annual budgets under $1 million. The program is funded through state budget appropriations and transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center. Loans require repayment over time with deferred payment options, and must demonstrate long-term energy cost savings exceeding the loan's total cost.
HB 695 establishes the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program to provide no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maryland. The program, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center, funds the planning, purchase, and installation of qualifying renewable energy systems (like solar panels) and energy efficiency improvements (such as HVAC upgrades or window replacements). Eligible projects must support Maryland’s environmental and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The program is funded through a new special nonlapsing loan fund, with interest earnings reinvested into the fund.
HB 345, the "Affordable Solar Act," creates new rules for solar energy systems in Maryland. It allows homeowners to install portable solar systems (max 1,200 watts) without utility approval or fees, while establishing two new credit types: SRECs for smaller residential systems and SREC-IIs for larger distributed or utility-scale projects (over 5MW). The bill requires utilities to procure specific SREC-II credits and redirects certain fees into new escrow accounts instead of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. These changes directly affect residential solar users, utilities, and solar developers by altering renewable energy compliance standards and financial mechanisms.
SB 341 establishes new definitions for small portable solar systems (max 1,200 watts, plug-in devices for residential use) and creates two types of solar energy credits: SRECs for smaller systems and SREC-II for larger installations. It requires electric companies to procure a specific number of SREC-II credits from qualifying solar projects and mandates that certain compliance fees be deposited into an escrow account instead of the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. Homeowners using portable solar systems cannot have utility approval requirements or fees for grid connection, but these systems do not count toward renewable energy goals. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives gain flexibility in meeting solar requirements under the new framework.
HB 39 expands Maryland's net energy metering program to include portable solar electric generating facilities. It defines portable solar as systems under 30 kilowatts connected via standard 120-volt outlets, intended to offset a customer's own electricity use. The bill requires utilities to provide two-way meters and prohibits additional fees for customers using portable solar, while capping total program capacity at 3,000 megawatts statewide. This change directly affects homeowners and businesses using portable solar setups (e.g., for RVs or temporary installations) by allowing them to receive credit for excess power fed back to the grid.
SB 344 extends the deadline for community solar energy systems to receive Public Service Commission approval, allowing land used by these systems to qualify for agricultural property tax assessment. Specifically, it changes the requirement from approval "on or before December 31, 2025" to "on or before December 31, 2030" for systems placed in service after June 30, 2022. This directly affects community solar developers and landowners seeking agricultural tax treatment for solar installations. The bill amends Maryland's property tax code to maintain eligibility for agricultural assessment without altering the core criteria for qualifying land use. The change takes effect June 1, 2026, applying to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
