This article was provided by The Maryland Energy Administration.
Maryland residents have a wide variety of solar energy options available including purchase, and lease agreements as well as community solar offerings. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides expert information and grants to help expand clean, and renewable solar energy.
Information about “Free” solar for Maryland homeowners is everywhere. Here is what consumers need to know before signing a home solar contract.
The MEA offers a wide variety of incentives that help residents close the savings gap on everything from home heating to electric vehicle charging equipment. Read about some of our featured grants here and visit Energy.Maryland.gov to see the full list of programs for residents, businesses, nonprofits and local government agencies.
Question: I’ve seen advertisements offering free solar for my home. Is it really possible to get free solar in Maryland?
Answer: Some solar companies try to entice customers by claiming to provide “free” solar. These claims might be disguised as “articles” delivering “news.”
PLEASE NOTE: All solar installations come with some cost. Although you might be able to get a solar energy system with no or minimal up front cost if you sign a lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA), you will still have to have to make regular payments for the duration of your lease or PPA.
Question: The State of Maryland has a program that pays to install solar energy systems for homeowners and businesses. Is this true?
Answer: No, the State of Maryland does not have a program that pays the complete costs to install solar energy systems for Maryland homeowners and businesses. The Maryland’s Residential Clean Energy Grant Program does offer a limited grant (currently $1,000) to eligible Maryland residents who install a qualifying solar PV system. Similarly, Maryland’s Commercial Clean Energy Grant Program offers a grant to eligible Maryland businesses, nonprofits, and local and State government agencies that install a qualifying solar PV system.
DOWNLOAD YOUR GUIDE TODAY
The new Maryland Consumer’s Guide to Solar is available for free download from Energy.Maryland.gov. This 72-page guide is essential for homeowners considering solar. Included in this guide: residential solar systems, methods of ownership, finance options, and key questions to ask BEFORE signing a contract. Many of the topics addressed in this document are based on frequently asked questions regarding solar submitted to the Maryland Energy Administration office. This solar guidebook also discusses Maryland’s Community Solar, a program that provides solar options for those who rent, as well as for those households who may not have good solar access due to shadowing from trees or other buildings.
Originally published April 7, 2020. Updated June 8, 2021.
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