Solar and environmental groups applaud signing of Maryland’s Brighter Tomorrow Act

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, leading solar and environmental organizations celebrated Maryland Governor Wes Moore for signing the Brighter Tomorrow Act (SB 783), landmark legislation to expand solar energy access and adoption across the state. The bill, which was authored by Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo and State Senator Sarah Elfreth, will increase solar adoption by automating the permitting process at building departments and creating a new solar grant program for low- and moderate-income households. Additionally, the bill provides new incentives for certain solar systems including new residential, rooftop, parking canopy, and brownfield solar installed from July 1, 2024 to January 1, 2028.

“The Brighter Tomorrow Act is a game-changer for Maryland’s transition to clean energy,” said Kimberly Armstrong, Solar United Neighbor’s Maryland Program Director. “By simplifying the solar installation permitting process and providing financial assistance to underserved communities, this law clears the path for more families and businesses to go solar, while creating good-paying local jobs.”

Under the Act, all Maryland counties and municipalities must adopt SolarAPP+, a web-based automated solar + storage permitting tool or an equivalent tool, by August 2025. Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, SolarAPP+ provides a standardized and rapid online permitting process, reducing permitting time from months to minutes.  

“Moving to automated, digital permitting is a win-win that benefits both local governments and solar customers,” said Emily Scarr, Maryland PIRG Director. “SolarAPP+ allows jurisdictions to review residential solar permits quickly and efficiently, allowing homeowners to switch to clean energy cheaper and faster.”

To support the statewide implementation of SolarAPP+, the Brighter Tomorrow Act capitalizes on U.S. Department of Energy funding to the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA).  MEA is providing $4.48 million for direct financial assistance to Maryland counties and municipalities to integrate SolarAPP+ into their permitting processes ahead of the law’s August 2025 deadline. 

Other key components of the law include measures to increase the renewable portfolio standard compliance value for projects built within Maryland and growing financial incentives for in-state solar development.

“We want a future powered by clean energy, so we should be deploying rooftop solar everywhere we can. Every sunny roof without solar panels is a missed opportunity,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy with Environment Maryland. “The Brighter Tomorrow Act will boost solar adoption in Maryland, helping Marylanders save money and make our air cleaner and our communities healthier.”

The Brighter Tomorrow Act garnered broad, bipartisan backing from state lawmakers, the solar industry, environmental advocates, and community organizations. Over the next six months, environmental and community-led organizations will work with Maryland cities and counties to adopt SolarAPP+ and apply for MEA grant funding. 

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Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Maryland and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. SUN has a mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.

Environment Maryland works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy.

Maryland PIRG, the Maryland Public Interest Research Group, is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for a healthier, safer world in which we’re freer to pursue our own individual well-being and the common good.