The Maryland Energy Administration recently introduced its FY25 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program, a move welcomed by key environmental and community advocacy groups across the state. This coalition, including Solar United Neighbors, Permit Power, the Sierra Club, Environment Maryland, the Maryland Rooftop Solar Coalition, and the Solar Energy Industry Association, sees this as a pivotal step toward enabling immediate solar permitting statewide. The program aims to provide financial assistance to Maryland’s counties, cities, towns, and other local entities to adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) SolarAPP+ platform to streamline the solar permitting process.
This initiative is grounded in Maryland’s Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024, which requires local jurisdictions to adopt automated solar permitting software. Among the options available, SolarAPP+ stands out as a popular choice due to its proven effectiveness in reducing permitting delays. The Maryland Energy Administration’s funding will support various needs associated with SolarAPP+ implementation, including staff training, software integration, and contractual support, making it easier for jurisdictions to utilize the free platform and improve solar plan processing times.
“SolarAPP+ transforms the permitting landscape, making approvals nearly instantaneous while ensuring safety compliance,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky. “This platform drastically cuts wait times for homeowners and installers and empowers local governments to drive the transition to clean energy forward, making solar power more accessible and efficient.”
With an allocated budget of approximately $3.9 million, this program aims to assist local governments in establishing instant solar permitting capabilities using SolarAPP+. Applications for the grant program are open until April 1, 2025, and interested jurisdictions can access further details on the program through the Maryland Energy Administration’s website.
According to Permit Power’s chief of advocacy, Hannah Birnbaum, “Maryland is setting a national example with the Brighter Tomorrow Act and this grant initiative. Local jurisdictions now have the resources to offer rapid permitting for families ready to install rooftop solar and home energy storage. This progress will enable communities throughout the state to experience the benefits of faster and more efficient solar installations.”
Related Content: Understanding the Urban Heat Island Effect and How Solar Attic Ventilation Can Help
