Maryland just gave you the right to own your power.
Governor Wes Moore signed HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act) on May 12, 2026 with an emergency clause - plug-in solar is legal in Maryland today. Maryland is the 5th state to legalize plug-in solar.
Where will yours go?
Hang one or two panels from your balcony railing using UL-listed rail-mount hardware.
Plug-in to a standard 120V outlet within reach of the inverter cable (typically 10-25 ft).
No drilling, no roof access, no permit if you're under your state's no-approval tier.
Law specifics
BGE (Baltimore Gas & Electric) programs
Maryland EmPOWER + federal HEAR
Strong programs · HEAR pendingMaryland's EmPOWER program pays up to $15,000 for a heat pump today. Federal HEAR (up to $8,000 more, income-based) is coming — the two won't stack on the same equipment, but they can cover different parts of the same project.
Full 2026 heat pump rebate guide →State alerts · No spam
Get Maryland savings updates
New incentives, rate changes, and program deadlines — one email at a time.
Need to notify your landlord or HOA? Generate your letter.
Statute-accurate template that cites Maryland’s law by bill number and effective date. Emailed as PDF.
Generate my Maryland letter →Maryland's UL certification exemption
Maryland HB 1532 exempts portable systems with a maximum output of no more than 391W from UL (or equivalent lab) product listing provisions that would otherwise require alterations to the building's premises, wiring, or electrical panels. In practice, a single small panel under 391W total output is the easiest legal path in Maryland — no utility notification, no building code alterations.
For systems 391W and above, UL certification is required and you must notify your utility before installing.
One nuance worth knowing: the same bill defines a portable solar energy generating system as one certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent testing lab. So the 391W exemption is narrower than “no UL needed” — it removes the listing provisions that would force building alterations, not every safety listing.
Sol Country only recommends UL 3700 certified products regardless of system size — but Maryland renters with a single small panel should know this exemption exists.
Source: Maryland General Assembly enrolled text of HB 1532 (2026 Regular Session). Verified against the bill text, not a secondary summary.
Maryland plug-in solar
is legal.
Maryland is in PJM territory, where data center load growth has driven capacity market prices from $28.92 to $329.17 per megawatt-day in two years. BGE customers saw a $16/month increase on average electric bills from PJM supply costs, and Pepco zone customers saw an additional $14/month, according to the Baltimore Banner and Maryland Office of People's Counsel. Maryland's increases also reflect the retirement of the Brandon Shores and Wagner power plants, which reduced local generation supply. The combination of both factors makes Maryland one of the PJM states most directly affected.
See the full analysis →Kits legal under
HB 1532.
Plug-in solar kits within Maryland's legal limit (1,200W). UL-listed components; UL 3700 system certification pending across the category.
Sol Country Exclusive
CRAFTSTROM KITS
US-focused plug-in solar with UL-listed components and UL 3700 system certification in progress.
CraftStrom current promotion
20% off all kits — available to all customers on craftstrom.com
Sol Country exclusive — extra
Additional 5% off when you book an advisor call + use code SOLCOUNTRY5
Combined saving: 25% off for Sol Country visitors who book an advisor call.
| Kit | Approx. full price | After 20% (everyone) | After extra 5% (Sol Country) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800W | ~$1,900 | ~$1,520 | ~$1,444 |
| 1,200W | ~$2,400 | ~$1,920 | ~$1,824 |
| 1,600W | ~$3,000 | ~$2,400 | ~$2,280 |
| 2,000W | ~$3,600 | ~$2,880 | ~$2,736 |
The 20% reduction is CraftStrom's current site-wide promotion. The additional 5% requires booking an advisor call and using code SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout.
Certification status: CraftStrom (UL certified — Sol Country is verifying the specific certification level against UL 3700 system requirements. Check craftstrom.com for current certification documentation.) Some sources describe CraftStrom as ETL listed to UL 1741 and IEEE 1547, which is not the same as UL 3700 system certification. We'll update this note as soon as CraftStrom confirms directly.
1. Book your free advisor call
Visit CraftStrom's site and book a free advisor call. Their team can answer installation-specific questions, help you pick the right wattage for your space, and confirm which tier applies under your state's law. The 20% discount applies automatically on their site.
2. Use code SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout
After your advisor call, enter SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout for an additional 5% off the already-discounted price.
Choose your kit below, then use the advisor booking popup on CraftStrom's site to schedule your call — apply code SOLCOUNTRY5 at checkout for the extra 5%.
Sol Country earns a commission on CraftStrom purchases made with code SOLCOUNTRY5. The 20% site-wide discount is offered by CraftStrom to all customers. The additional 5% is Sol Country's exclusive arrangement. Neither discount affects Sol Country's product recommendations — we recommend CraftStrom because it's a complete, UL-certified plug-in kit sold directly in the US, not because of this arrangement. CraftStrom (UL certified — Sol Country is verifying the specific certification level against UL 3700 system requirements. Check craftstrom.com for current certification documentation.)
No balcony?
No problem.
Community solar may be available in Maryland - no equipment, no installation, $0 upfront.
Maryland incentives
stacked.
Federal residential solar credit (Section 25D) is no longer available for owned residential systems placed in service after Dec 31, 2025. Section 48E remains available for leased / third-party-owned systems through Dec 31, 2027.
See what's legal
at your address.
Sol Country checks your address, utility territory, and state law to show every solar option available to you today.
FIND MY POWER →Balcony solar laws in other states
Track where plug-in solar stands across the U.S. - passed, awaiting signature, or advancing through committee.
- Colorado balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB26-1007
- Connecticut balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB 5340 / Public Act 26-127
- Maine balcony solar lawLaw passed · LD 1730
- New Hampshire balcony solar lawLaw passed · SB 540
- Utah balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB340
- Vermont balcony solar lawLaw passed · S.202
- Virginia balcony solar lawLaw passed · HB395
- Arizona balcony solar bill2026 session closed · Previously advancing
Sol Pro members save 15-20% on all products and get monitored alerts when programs change at their address. Start free trial →