1800 Washington Blvd, Suite 755 | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-537-4000
Energy.Maryland.gov
Information about “Free” solar for Maryland homeowners is everywhere.
Here are answers from the Maryland Energy Administration.
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.” BEWARE—You cannot
get solar for free. 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.
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. The Commercial Clean Energy Grant amount is calculated at a specified rate per
kW of installed system capacity (current rate can be found on the commercial Program
webpage)
Bottom Line: The Maryland Energy Administration offers limited reimbursable grants for Maryland
home owners and businesses that upgrade to clean, renewable solar energy systems. For more
information, visit us at www.Energy.Maryland.gov
Q & A
1800 Washington Blvd, Suite 755 | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-537-4000
Energy.Maryland.gov
FAQs:
What is a solar lease? If you lease, the solar company owns and installs the solar energy
system, and you sign a contract to use the system. You will have to pay a monthly leasing fee
for the duration of the lease. You use the electricity generated by your system, but you also
pay your utility for any electricity you use in excess of whatever your system provides.
What is a power purchase agreement? A PPA is similar to a lease. If you have a PPA, a solar
project developer owns the solar energy system and installs it on your home. You pay the
developer for the energy generated by the solar system, and you pay the utility for any
electricity you use in excess of whatever your system provides.
Warning: If you lease or have a PPA, your payments could increase over time. Read the
agreement carefully and make sure you understand your options.
Bottom Line: You might be able to install a solar energy system on your house with a low or
no initial down payment, but the solar system will not actually be “free.” Please be aware:
certain state and federal financial incentives are available only if you purchase your solar
energy system. Learn more about your options for financing a solar energy system before you
decide.
Resources:
Solar Leases & PPAs
Solar panel incentives, rebates & tax breaks
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Maryland consumers having a complaint concerning a solar installer in Maryland should file a
complaint with the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division Online
complains may be filed here
All information presented on this site is for general information purposes and is not legal advice. The information may not be current and is
subject to change without notice. Links to websites are provided for information only. MEA does not control or maintain the material presented
on non-MEA websites. MEA does not assume responsibility for the material presented on non-MEA websites. If you use any of these links, you
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