Since 2006, Maryland’s renewable energy programs have successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by over 14%. As part of the EmPOWER program, Maryland helps low-income and high-energy households access affordable solar installation and clean energy solutions. Many Maryland homeowners are either unaware of these programs or unclear about how they can benefit from them.
As a Maryland homeowner, you should know about two pivotal programs: the FY25 Maryland Solar Access Program and the Maryland-Eligible Renewable Energy Credit (REC). These programs could help you access cleaner energy solutions while saving money.
Below, we review these programs in detail to help Maryland homeowners understand their benefits and obtain renewable energy resources for 2025 and beyond.
FY25 Maryland Solar Access Program
The FY25 Maryland Solar Access Program was established under the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024 (SB 783) to help Maryland residents access renewable, clean solar energy for their homes. Under the program, income-eligible Maryland residents can install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, providing affordable, clean, and sustainable energy.
Though the program is designed to be accessible, it is non-competitive, which means that awards are first come, first served for Maryland homeowners who apply. Recipients will be selected based on their income levels and other factors. Maryland’s Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides full eligibility details.
The FOA establishes the grant amounts, income limits per capita, and energy consumption requirements for this award. Applicants must complete a two-step process, including an initial application submission and documented verification of the solar installation’s completion. June 13, 2025, is the application deadline for the program. However, it’s important to note that the budget is finite and may expire before the official deadline.
New solar systems must be installed and operational within 180 days of receiving the award to qualify for cost reimbursement. Additionally, the grant can only be administered by a Participating Contractor approved by the MEA. Fortunately, Energy Select is an approved Participating Contractor, making the process more convenient.
Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program
Previously, Maryland homeowners relied on the Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program to obtain solar systems. This program provided rebates to homeowners who installed PV panels, solar PV shingles, or geothermal heating and cooling systems in their homes.
As of December 1, 2024, this program will no longer be offered to Maryland residents and will not be renewed. However, applications for the rebate submitted on or before November 30, 2024, may still be considered.
The Maryland Solar Access Program has replaced the Clean Energy Rebate to establish more equitable solar incentives and prevent homeowners from being left out of the statewide transition to clean energy. Suppose you applied for the Clean Energy Rebate. In that case, you can follow up on your application by contacting MEA at CERP.MEA@Maryland.gov or calling 410-537-4000.
The rebate administration team can help answer any questions about your rebate eligibility. For all other Maryland homeowners, the new Solar Access Program will provide the equivalent service moving forward.
Maryland-Eligible Renewable Energy Credit (REC)
The other important program that homeowners should know about is the Maryland-Eligible Renewable Energy Credit (REC). This program is part of Maryland’s commitment to increase renewable energy deployment to 50% by 2030. It works in tandem with other pieces of legislation, including the Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES).
A REC is awarded to a residence that generates and delivers one megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy from a clean and renewable energy system. This incentivizes Maryland homeowners to invest in clean energy installations and distribute the benefits to other homeowners.
This has a double benefit for homeowners with solar panel installations. They can generate clean, renewable energy for themselves and sell energy as RECs to help state energy suppliers meet the Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for clean energy.
As Maryland’s legislation places greater emphasis on renewable energy, such as solar, the market for RECs will continue to grow. Eligible homeowners can reap financial returns for their clean energy investments while helping state suppliers meet sustainability commitments for 2025 and beyond.
Schedule a Professional Energy Consultation to Learn More About Benefits in Your Area
Maryland’s proactive renewable energy programs, namely the FY25 Maryland Solar Access Program and Maryland-Eligible Renewable Energy Credit (REC), empower Maryland homeowners to invest in clean energy for their homes. Income-eligible homeowners can apply to these programs to help state suppliers meet their renewable energy initiatives while powering their homes with cleaner, safer energy solutions.
At Energy Select, our experienced team offers homeowners efficient solar panel installations that help them qualify for Maryland’s renewable energy benefits. We aim to help homeowners progress toward sustainable living while contributing to a cleaner and more energy-resilient future for Maryland.
Contact us today to learn more about our solar energy solutions and how we can help you qualify for advantageous state benefits while powering your home with sustainable energy. We also help with new and existing applications to state benefit programs to establish that you reap the full benefits of your energy investment.