Affordable Solar Act
Marylanders Deserve Lower Energy Bills
Across the country, the federal administration is making it harder and more expensive to build clean energy. The result? Higher utility bills, stalled projects, and more power in the hands of fossil fuel billionaires. Maryland is pushing back.
The Affordable Solar Act
The Affordable Solar Act is Maryland’s answer to rising energy prices and federal attacks on clean energy. This landmark legislation ensures we keep building the clean, affordable power Marylanders deserve.
Why It Matters: Solar energy is the fastest, most cost-effective way to power our communities.
By investing in solar, Maryland can:
- Lower household utility bills
- Provide stable, predictable energy prices
- Meet our clean energy and climate goals
- Build a modern, decarbonized power grid
A Promise Kept
In 2023, Maryland passed the Brighter Tomorrow Act, a short term bridge to ensure rooftop and community solar continued to get built, with a commitment to legislate a long term structural fix within a few years.
The time is now to ensure long term stability for ongoing solar deployment in Maryland to meet our growing energy needs and our clean energy goals.
What the Bill Does:
1. Modernizes Solar Incentives
The bill reforms the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program — protecting ratepayers while ensuring all types of solar continue to get built.
- Phases out Maryland’s current program
- Replaces it with SREC 2, modeled after New Jersey’s successful approach
- Expected to support 4,000 MW of new solar by 2035
- Creates a smart, flexible system where subsidies go only where they’re needed
- Competitive bids for large-scale solar
- Fair, regularly updated incentives for rooftop and community solar
2. Protects Ratepayers
The bill is designed with one bottom line: no increase in costs for Maryland families.
Existing ratepayer funds are shifted into an escrow account to support the new program.
State analysis confirms the policy can operate with no new charges for at least several years.
3. Expands Solar Access — Including Renters
Not every household can install rooftop solar.
The Affordable Solar Act opens the door to portable and balcony solar — compact systems that plug directly into a standard outlet and immediately lower electricity usage.
Portable solar:
- Lowers utility bills
- Cuts climate pollution
- Can be paired with battery backup
- Works for renters, apartment dwellers, and shaded homes
States like Utah have already proven how sharply demand can grow when people finally have access.
A Cleaner, Cheaper Energy Future
Maryland shouldn’t let federal interference dictate our energy future.
The Affordable Solar Act keeps us moving forward — lowering costs, expanding access, and proving that clean energy works for everyone.
