Community Solar Energy Generation System Pilot Program

In a series of legislative actions aimed at bolstering solar energy accessibility and sustainability initiatives in Maryland, significant milestones were achieved between 2015 and 2022.

In 2015, Governor [Name] signed Chapter 347 (HB 1087) into law, marking the inception of a groundbreaking pilot program for community solar facilities. This initiative, mandated by the Acts of the General Assembly of 2015, aimed to democratize access to solar energy by allowing community members to benefit from shared solar installations. The program was initially slated to operate for three years following implementation by the Public Service Commission.

Building on the success and potential of the initial pilot program, Maryland lawmakers took further strides in May 2019 with the enactment of Chapter 461 (HB 683) of the Acts of the General Assembly of 2019. This legislative action extended the duration of the community solar pilot program to a total of seven years, ensuring its continuation until at least December 31, 2024. This extension provided a longer runway for communities to embrace and capitalize on the benefits of community solar initiatives.

Continuing the momentum towards a more sustainable future, H.B. 440 was signed into law in May 2022, heralding another significant advancement in Maryland’s solar landscape. This legislation, among its key provisions, raised the capacity limit of solar installations from 2 megawatts (MW) to 5 MW. By expanding the allowable capacity, Maryland demonstrated its commitment to facilitating larger-scale solar projects, thereby amplifying the state’s renewable energy capacity and fostering greater energy independence.

These legislative measures underscore Maryland’s proactive approach to advancing solar energy adoption and fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious energy infrastructure for its residents and communities.