Maryland makes it easier for local governments to streamline solar

This past Friday, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) launched the FY25 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program. The program will provide financial support for local jurisdictions in Maryland to adopt SolarAPP+, an instant permitting software which expedites the permitting process for residential rooftop solar. The program comes as a result of the 2024 Brighter Tomorrow Act, which requires local jurisdictions to adopt instant solar permitting software under the direction of the MEA. Maryland is the second state, after California in 2022, to require instant solar permitting statewide.

For Maryland, which had only tapped roughly 4.4% of its rooftop solar potential as of 2022, this program represents a significant way to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

As it stands, red tape is hampering rooftop solar deployment. Across the United States, roughly 10 percent of solar projects get canceled–and installers cite the permitting process and associated delays as a key reason for cancellations. Even for straightforward residential projects, permitting can delay projects weeks or even months. According to SEIA, broad adoption of instant permitting could lower the cost of a standard solar system by an estimated $6,000-$7,000 and reduce cancellations.

“Instant solar permitting platforms like SolarAPP+ are providing a smarter, safer, and cheaper way to get solar on rooftops,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy for Environment America. “Maryland is helping to lead the charge to expedite solar growth by removing the red tape that is preventing homeowners from going solar.”

See Environment Maryland Research & Policy Center’s media release here.