Maryland Bill Proposes Expansion of Rooftop Solar Subsidies

A powerful alliance of rooftop solar advocates, workforce development groups, champions of energy equity, and renewable energy companies have rallied together to launch a campaign that supports legislation aimed at making solar power more readily available and cost-effective for every resident of Maryland. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 664 (SB0664) and House Bill 1239 (HB1239) is sponsored by Maryland Senator Brian J. Feldman and Delegate Lily Qi. If enacted, the legislation would raise the state's residential clean energy grant fivefold, from $1,000 to $5,000, serving as a significant incentive for Maryland residents to install rooftop solar systems.

The anticipated result of this move would not only align with Maryland's climate goals but also stimulate the creation of local jobs in the clean energy sector. As Governor Wes Moore pursues some of the nation's most rigorous clean energy standards, the Maryland Rooftop Solar Coalition underscores the vital part rooftop solar must play in realizing these goals.

The proposed legislation outlines a funding model for rooftop solar grants which relies on fees and penalties incurred by companies failing to meet the state's clean energy stipulations. This approach ensures minimal financial impact on taxpayers while efficiently directing funds toward the promotion of renewable energy. Moreover, the bill aims to enhance clean energy incentives for low-to-moderate-income residents, including those in overburdened and underserved communities.

To fulfill Maryland's climate goals and conserve the state's finite natural resources, it is crucial to promote the adoption of residential rooftop solar. The recently passed Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 laid out the state's ambitious objectives: reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 60% below 2006 levels by 2032 and achieving a net-zero status by 2045. To ensure that clean energy usage is expanded and emissions are reduced, it is essential to provide equitable access to solar energy. This will necessitate targeted outreach and support for low-to-moderate income families, who have been disproportionately affected by the infrastructure of polluting fossil fuels.

Senator Brian Feldman, the sponsor of SB0664, stated, “Maryland has established some of the nation's most audacious targets for emissions reduction and achieving climate equity. Our state's ambitious objectives cannot be realized unless we simplify the process for Maryland residents to reap the economic and environmental benefits of clean energy.” He added, “With this bill, we have an opportunity to revitalize Maryland’s rooftop solar industry, simultaneously creating thousands of jobs while offering incentives that make solar power more accessible to lower-income households.”

Delegate Lily Qi, the sponsor of HB1239, commented, “Promoting residential solar offers Maryland a golden opportunity to confront the climate crisis while simultaneously creating jobs and enhancing our state's economic competitiveness.” She continued, “This bill pushes us closer to Maryland's ambitious climate objectives in an inclusive manner that caters to households across all income levels and makes clean energy available to communities disproportionately affected by escalating energy costs.”