In this guide
Short answer: yes. Maryland's HB 1532 (the Utility RELIEF Act) was signed on May 12, 2026 and took effect on enactment. You can use a certified plug-in solar system of up to 1,200 W per meter without utility approval or interconnection fees. Your utility may ask for advance notice, and your lease or HOA rules still apply.
- Status
- Legal, in force
- Law
- HB 1532, Utility RELIEF Act (Chapter 353, 2026)
- Maximum output
- 1,200 W per meter
- In effect since
- May 12, 2026
- Utility notice
- Utility may require it; no approval
- Certification
- UL or equivalent; 391 W and under exempt
Plug-in solar is one part of a larger bill aimed at lowering energy bills and streamlining solar permitting. That is why you won't find "balcony solar" in the bill's title. Some trackers list different start dates; the General Assembly's bill page lists the act as effective upon enactment. Compare Maryland with other states on the 50-state map.
What HB 1532 allows
- Residential plug-in systems sending back no more than 1,200 W per utility meter;
- that plug into a standard electrical outlet and are meant to offset part of your home's use;
- certified by UL or an equivalent safety standard (systems of 391 W or less are exempt);
- exempt from utility interconnection requirements and fees.
Notifying BGE, Pepco, Delmarva or Potomac Edison
Utilities can require you to give advance notice and documentation of the system's capacity and safety features. They can't make you wait for approval. If your utility requires it, you may have to pay for an automatic locking disconnect switch. As of October 2026 we have not seen standard notice forms from Maryland's utilities, so call or email yours and keep a copy of what you send.
Renters and condo owners
Unlike Virginia or New Jersey, Maryland's law does not overrule leases or rules set by landlords, condo boards or HOAs. If you rent, you'll need permission for anything attached outside your unit. Our guide to balcony solar for renters explains options that don't touch the building, and how to ask your landlord.
What a kit saves in Maryland
At about 21.4¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026), an 800 W kit hanging on a south-facing railing produces roughly 655 kWh a year and saves about $110, assuming you use 80% of it. Tilted toward the south with no shade, the same kit saves about $180. A small 400 W kit on a railing saves about $65. Check yours in the calculator preset for Maryland.
Checklist before you plug in
- Confirm the kit's output is 1,200 W or less and the microinverter is certified (ask for the certificate).
- Send your utility a notice if it asks for one, with the kit's specifications.
- Get written permission from your landlord, condo board or HOA if needed.
- Follow our installation guide: dedicated or lightly used outlet, no extension cords, secure mounting.
Frequently asked questions
Is balcony solar legal in Maryland?
Yes. HB 1532, the Utility RELIEF Act, was signed by Governor Wes Moore on May 12, 2026 (Chapter 353) and took effect on enactment. It allows plug-in solar systems of up to 1,200 W per utility meter that plug into a standard outlet and are certified by UL or an equivalent lab.
Do I need to tell BGE or Pepco about plug-in solar?
Your utility may require advance notice and documentation of the system's capacity and safety features, but it can't require prior approval or charge interconnection fees. If the utility requires one, you may have to pay for an automatic locking disconnect switch.
Does a small solar panel need UL certification in Maryland?
Systems of 391 W or less are exempt from the certification requirement. Larger systems must be certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized lab.
Can my Maryland landlord or HOA say no?
Yes. HB 1532 does not override leases, condo rules or HOA covenants, so you may need permission before mounting anything outside your unit.
Update log
- Page published. Effective date checked on the General Assembly's bill page (effective upon enactment).
Sources and official texts