Maryland

MD

HB 1532 (Chapter 353) — Utility RELIEF Act (includes Plug-In Solar provisions)

Permitted
Current Status
Last verified: May 12, 2026

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.

Sponsored by: Del. Lorig Charkoudian

Legislation Progress

Enacted — Signed into Law

100%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Expected Timeline

Signed May 12, 2026. Effective upon enactment. Maryland is the 5th US state to legalize plug-in solar.

Maryland Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate16.8¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
7¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$215/yr
Last UpdatedMay 12, 2026
Calculate MD Savings
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Key Provisions

Allows plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W. Systems ≤391W exempt from UL certification requirement. Utilities cannot require approval before installation. Applies to renters and homeowners. Effective upon enactment (signed May 12, 2026).

Effective DateMay 12, 2026 (emergency clause)
Wattage Limit1,200W per residential meter
UL 3700Referenced
PermitRequired (streamlined for systems under 20kW, notification to utility required)
Utility ApprovalNot required (notification only)
UL 3700 DetailsReferenced but not required (UL or equivalent NRTL certification required for systems > 391W; systems ≤ 391W are exempt from listing provisions)
HOA / DeedNot addressed; HOAs can still restrict installation.
RentersNot addressed; leases can still restrict installation.
Net MeteringAllowed up to 1,200W back to the electric system.
What Makes This State Unique

Maryland is one of the first states to enact plug-in solar law, effective immediately due to an emergency clause. It also includes an exemption from UL listing provisions for systems under 391W, making plug-in solar more accessible for older multifamily buildings.

Notable Gaps

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 This Means for You

What You Can Do

Self-install systems up to 1,200W without BGE or Pepco approval. Systems ≤391W require no UL certification. Applies to renters and homeowners. Law is in effect as of May 12, 2026.

Current Limitations

Systems over 1,200W still require standard interconnection. Utility-specific implementation details may take time to roll out.

Official Bill Reference

Signed Into Law — Chapter 353 (May 12, 2026)
View Full Bill Text — HB 1532 (Chapter 353)

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Maryland State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.87 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,120 kWh/yr
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August

The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file that represents a multi-year historical period for Baltimore, MD for a Fixed (open rack) photovoltaic system. The kWh range is based on analysis of a nearby data site described here.

Major Utilities
Pepco
~582,000 customers
Net metering
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)
~1,300,000 customers
Net metering
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO)
~161,000 customers
Net metering
Choptank Electric Cooperative
~56,000 customers
Net metering

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 Income
$103,678
Median Home Value
$419,900

32% of Maryland households are renter-occupied — approximately 765,048 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.

Maryland has a fully deregulated electricity market. You may be able to get plug-in solar bundled with your electricity plan through a Retail Energy Provider (REP) — potentially at lower cost than buying hardware outright.

Learn about REP partner offers →

Related Articles

In-depth guides and news about plug-in solar in Maryland.

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Four States, One Month: The April 2026 Plug-In Solar Wave

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Maryland's Utility RELIEF Act: What HB 1532 Means for Renters and Deregulated Customers

Governor Wes Moore signed Maryland's HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act) into law on May 12, 2026, making Maryland the 5th US state to legalize plug-in solar. Here's what the new law means for Maryland's 370,000 deregulated electricity customers — and why the state's unique market structure makes plug-in solar especially powerful here.

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Connecticut HB 5340: The 6th State to Legalize Plug-In Solar — What It Means for Renters

Connecticut's HB 5340 passed both chambers on May 6–7, 2026 — House 99-43, Senate 27-9 — and is heading to Governor Lamont's desk. With the highest residential electricity rates in the continental US at $0.286/kWh, Connecticut renters stand to gain more per watt of plug-in solar than almost anywhere else in the country.

News Coverage

Media coverage of plug-in solar developments in Maryland.

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