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Plug-in solar in Maryland

Yes — Maryland has a plug-in solar law

  • Signed May 12, 2026
  • 1,200 W cap
  • Reported: very small systems (under ~391 W) are exempt from the UL certification requirement

Last verified

Status
Legal — signed into law
Bill
HB 1532
Signed
May 12, 2026
Effective
July 1, 2026 · in force
Size cap
1,200 W AC
Avg. electricity rate
21.41¢/kWh (+17% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$185saved

Payback ≈ 4.9 yrs · ranks #14 of 51 for savings

Maryland's HB 1532 was signed on May 12, 2026 and sets the familiar 1,200-watt cap.

One detail reported by bill trackers stands out: very small systems (roughly a single panel under 391 W) are exempt from the UL certification requirement that applies to larger systems. Even so, we recommend buying certified equipment at any size — certification is what tells you the microinverter will shut off when the grid goes down.

Maryland economics

Maryland rates sit above the national average, putting typical payback for a south-facing 800 W kit in the mid single digits. Townhouse residents with a south-facing deck or patio are the sweet spot.

What plug-in solar is worth in Maryland

Maryland households pay an average of 21.41¢ per kWh, 17% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.3 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$185
Payback ($900 kit)
4.9 yr
Energy used
864 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,724

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$277
Payback ($1,300 kit)
4.7 yr
Energy used
1,296 kWh/yr
25-year net
$5,636

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Maryland

$185/ year

≈ $15.41 per month

Payback
4.9 yrs
Energy used
864 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,724
CO₂ avoided
700 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1The law is in force — you can connect a compliant system today.
  2. 2Choose a certified microinverter (UL 1741 at minimum; UL 3700 system listing is best) and stay under 1,200 W.
  3. 3Plug into a dedicated outdoor-rated outlet — never an extension cord or power strip.
  4. 4Tell your home or renters insurer, and keep the spec sheets.

Maryland plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland passed HB 1532, signed May 12, 2026. It has been in force since July 1, 2026. Systems up to 1,200 W that use certified equipment can be plugged into a standard outlet without a utility interconnection agreement.

How much can balcony solar save in Maryland?

At Maryland's average residential rate of 21.41¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.3 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $185 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 4.9 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Maryland?

The law allows up to 1,200 watts of AC output. That's roughly the safe continuous load on a standard 15-amp household circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Maryland sources and your utility.