Plug-In Solar in Maryland — Legal
Bill: HB 1532 (Chapter 353) — Utility RELIEF Act (includes Plug-In Solar provisions)
Sponsor: Del. Lorig Charkoudian
Legislative Status: Signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on May 12, 2026 as Chapter 353. The Utility RELIEF Act takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Current Status: Signed Into Law — Chapter 353 (May 12, 2026)
Last Updated: May 12, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 16.8¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $183/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 7¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.4 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Allows plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W. Requires mandatory pre-installation notification to the utility plus a safety certification of the device's features and generating capacity. Systems ≤391W exempt from UL certification requirement. Utilities cannot require approval before installation. Applies to renters and homeowners. Effective May 12, 2026 (emergency clause).
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | May 12, 2026 (emergency clause) |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200W per residential meter |
| UL 3700 | referenced — Referenced but not required (UL or equivalent NRTL certification required for systems > 391W; systems ≤ 391W are exempt from listing provisions) |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed; HOAs can still restrict installation. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed; leases can still restrict installation. |
| Utility Approval | Waived — utilities cannot require approval before installation or use, charge fees, or require additional equipment. |
| Permit Required | Not required — explicitly not subject to §§ 7-306 and 7-306.1 (interconnection requirements). No permit process is specified in the law. |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Allowed up to 1,200W back to the electric system. |
| Key Differences | Maryland's mandatory pre-installation notification plus safety certification is the most demanding notification framework of any enacted state. The safety certification requirement is unique — no other state requires customers to certify safety features before installation. Systems ≤391W are exempt from UL listing requirements, making plug-in solar more accessible for older multifamily buildings. |
| Notable Omissions | The law is silent on landlord, HOA, and condo association restrictions, meaning these entities can still limit installations. It also does not establish state rebates or tax credits for portable systems. |
What You Can Do
Self-install systems up to 1,200W without BGE or Pepco approval. Must notify your utility BEFORE installation and provide a safety certification of the device's features and generating capacity. Systems ≤391W require no UL certification. Applies to renters and homeowners. Law is in effect as of May 12, 2026.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Systems over 1,200W still require standard interconnection. The pre-installation notification + safety certification step must be completed before installation — this is a legal requirement, not optional. HOAs and landlords can still restrict installation (law is silent on this).
Available Rebates & Incentives
Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) provides grants for income-eligible residents installing solar PV. Maryland SREC market allows solar owners to sell certificates for each MWh generated. Maryland sales tax exemption on solar equipment. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Maryland Solar Access Program (MSAP) — MEA — Grants for income-eligible Maryland residents installing solar PV systems.
- Maryland SREC Program — PSC — Earn and sell Solar Renewable Energy Certificates for each MWh generated.
- DSIRE — Maryland Solar Incentives — Full list of Maryland state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 6,263,220 |
| Total Households | 2,362,928 |
| Owner-Occupied | 1,597,880 |
| Renter-Occupied | 765,048 |
| Single-Family Homes | 1,308,902 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 586,926 |
| Median Household Income | $103,678 |
| Median Home Value | $419,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.87 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1120 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May, June, July, August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Pepco | ~582,000 customers | Yes |
| Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) | ~1,300,000 customers | Yes |
| Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) | ~161,000 customers | Yes |
| Choptank Electric Cooperative | ~56,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
- 28 states and DC could legalize 'balcony solar' — Planetizen (February 2026)