Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Maryland? (2026)
Passed into law Yes. Maryland has a dedicated plug-in solar law (HB 345 (Affordable Solar Act)). Systems up to 1200W are allowed without a traditional interconnection process. Signed May 12, 2026 (Ch. 353) — effective October 1, 2026.
Maryland became one of the first East Coast states to authorize plug-in solar.
The rules at a glance
| Status | Passed into law |
|---|---|
| Law / bill | HB 345 (Affordable Solar Act) |
| Primary source | Official bill / law text ↗ |
| Timeline | Signed May 12, 2026 (Ch. 353) — effective October 1, 2026 |
| Wattage limit | 1200W AC |
| Avg. electricity rate | 18.1¢/kWh (EIA estimate) |
| Peak sun hours | ~4.2 h/day |
What an 800W kit would do in Maryland
Assuming ~4.2 peak sun hours per day and typical system losses, a standard two-panel 800W plug-in kit in Maryland produces about 944 kWh per year. At the state’s average residential rate of 18.1¢/kWh, that’s roughly $145 per year off your electric bill if you self-consume most of it. A typical 800W kit costs $500–$1,200, so simple payback lands in the 5–8 year range. Run your own numbers →
What this means for renters and condo owners
Plug-in solar was legalized in Maryland precisely for people who can’t put panels on a roof: renters, condo owners and anyone with a sunny balcony, patio or backyard. Buy a certified kit under 1200W, plug it into a standard outlet, and it quietly offsets your daytime consumption. Get written landlord/HOA approval for mounting hardware on balconies.
FAQ
Is plug-in (balcony) solar legal in Maryland in 2026?
Yes. Maryland passed HB 345 (Affordable Solar Act), allowing systems up to 1200W. Signed May 12, 2026 (Ch. 353) — effective October 1, 2026.
How much can an 800W plug-in solar kit save in Maryland?
With about 4.2 peak sun hours per day and residential electricity at roughly 18.1¢/kWh, an 800W kit produces around 944 kWh per year — worth approximately $145 per year if you use most of that power yourself.
Do renters in Maryland need an electrician to install plug-in solar?
No. The point of Maryland’s law is that certified plug-in systems under 1200W plug into a standard outlet — no electrician, no rooftop permits. Renters should still get landlord approval for balcony mounting.
Does Maryland pay for extra electricity a plug-in system exports?
Generally no — plug-in solar laws are built around self-consumption, not net metering. Any power you don’t use typically flows to the grid uncompensated, which is why sizing the system to your daytime usage matters.
Sources & further reading
- Maryland legislation: HB 345 (Affordable Solar Act) — official text ↗
- Bright Saver national legislation tracker
- EIA — electricity rates by state
States with laws already passed: Colorado · Connecticut · Maine · New Hampshire · Utah · Vermont · Virginia
Last reviewed: August 19, 2026