Maryland
✓ LegalUpdated May 31, 2026Plug-In Solar Legal Guide
HB 1532 (Utility RELIEF Act) signed by Gov. Wes Moore on May 12, 2026. Emergency clause — effective immediately upon signing. One plug-in solar device per residential meter. System must connect to a standard outlet and be UL certified. No utility approval or fee permitted. Maryland's high electricity rate (~$0.19/kWh) makes payback periods shorter than most states.
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Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.
Recently updated — this page was last reviewed on May 31, 2026. Law data is current as of that date.
Law Summary
Last verified May 31, 2026·Maryland General Assembly — HB 1532
Verify with your state utility commission before installing. FAQ →
Electricity Cost Trend
↑ 4.0%/yr avg — ModeratePayback Calculator
Pre-filled with Maryland's average rate ($0.190/kWh) and 4.4 daily peak sun hours. Adjust sliders to match your situation.
Year-by-year table
| Year | kWh Used | Rate | Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 655 | $0.190 | $124 | $124 |
| 2 | 652 | $0.198 | $129 | $253 |
| 3 | 649 | $0.206 | $133 | $387 |
| 4 | 645 | $0.214 | $138 | $525 |
| 5 | 642 | $0.222 | $143 | $667 |
| 6 | 639 | $0.231 | $148 | $815 |
| 7 | 636 | $0.240 | $153 | $968 |
| 8 | 633 | $0.250 | $158 | $1,126 |
| 9Paid off | 629 | $0.260 | $164 | $1,290 |
| 10 | 626 | $0.270 | $169 | $1,459 |
| 11 | 623 | $0.281 | $175 | $1,634 |
| 12 | 620 | $0.292 | $181 | $1,816 |
| 13 | 617 | $0.304 | $188 | $2,004 |
| 14 | 614 | $0.316 | $194 | $2,198 |
| 15 | 611 | $0.329 | $201 | $2,399 |
| 16 | 608 | $0.342 | $208 | $2,607 |
| 17 | 605 | $0.356 | $215 | $2,822 |
| 18 | 602 | $0.370 | $223 | $3,045 |
| 19 | 599 | $0.385 | $230 | $3,275 |
| 20 | 596 | $0.400 | $238 | $3,514 |
| 21 | 593 | $0.416 | $247 | $3,760 |
| 22 | 590 | $0.433 | $255 | $4,016 |
| 23 | 587 | $0.450 | $264 | $4,280 |
| 24 | 584 | $0.468 | $273 | $4,553 |
| 25 | 581 | $0.487 | $283 | $4,836 |
Best-fit kits for Maryland
sorted by your payback periodHoymiles HMS-800-2T-NA Microinverter
UL 1741 dual-MPPT microinverter. Pair with panels for a custom build.
APsystems EZ1 Microinverter
Plug-in dual-module microinverter for 120V. Configurable output for state-cap compliance.
US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit
Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking. Under all 1,200W+ caps.
Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Recommended kits for Maryland
See all kits in the Kit Finder →Best-fit kits for Maryland
sorted by your payback periodHoymiles HMS-800-2T-NA Microinverter
UL 1741 dual-MPPT microinverter. Pair with panels for a custom build.
APsystems EZ1 Microinverter
Plug-in dual-module microinverter for 120V. Configurable output for state-cap compliance.
US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit
Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking. Under all 1,200W+ caps.
Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Browse the full Kit Finder
Compare every UL-certified kit, microinverter, and accessory legal in Maryland — filtered by your 1200W limit.
HOA & Landlord Rules
The #1 real-world blocker for renters & condo ownersHOAs cannot prohibit the installation of qualifying plug-in solar devices under HB 1532.
Landlords cannot prohibit qualifying plug-in solar devices for residential tenants.
Utility: BGE / Pepco / Delmarva Power / SMECO
BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, SMECO and all Maryland utilities cannot require customer approval, charge fees, or mandate interconnection agreements for qualifying plug-in solar devices. One device per residential meter. Zero-export only.