By Arvand Golbazi
On May 16, the Maryland Energy Administration announced the launch of the Maryland Solar Access Program, an initiative under the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024. This program is designed to provide substantial incentives for low and moderate-income households to install solar panels, enhancing the state's commitment to equitable renewable energy access. The Maryland Solar Access Program offers grants of up to $7,500 for eligible households, calculated at $750 per kilowatt of direct current solar capacity installed and will be served to eligible participants on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative aims to make solar energy more accessible to a broader range of residents, significantly reducing energy bills and contributing to Maryland's clean energy goals. By easing the financial burden of solar installations, the program seeks to promote widespread solar energy use across the state, helping to meet Governor Wes Moore's target of 100% clean energy by 2035.
In addition to financial incentives, the Brighter Tomorrow Act introduces the adoption of the Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarAPP+), a digital tool designed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to streamline the permitting process for solar projects. This technology is expected to reduce installation costs and accelerate the deployment of solar energy systems, making it easier for Maryland residents to go solar.
Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky emphasized the importance of the Solar Access Program, stating, "By providing a significant incentive to those Marylanders who need it most, the Maryland Solar Access program will connect people with solar's cost savings who most likely would never otherwise get it." For more information on the program and eligibility requirements, please visit the Maryland Energy Administration's website here.
