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Community Solar in Maryland - 2026 Programs & Savings Guide

Maryland offers community solar through Maryland Community Solar Pilot Program. Subscribers save 5-10% on their electricity bills with no installation required. Renters are eligible.

Active Subscribers
40,000

1.6% of households

Subscribed Capacity
300 MW
Typical Savings
5-10%

~$14/mo avg

Available to Renters
Yes

Income-qualified tier available

Program Name

Maryland Community Solar Pilot Program

Serving Utilities

BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, SMECO

Contract Length

Up to 5 years

Community Solar Programs in Maryland

Maryland Community Solar Pilot Program

Administrator: Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC)

Community Solar Pilot / Virtual Net Metering

Maryland's Community Solar Energy Generating System (CSEGS) pilot program allows residential and commercial customers to subscribe to shares of off-site solar projects and receive credits on their utility bills. The program is administered by each participating utility under PSC oversight. Projects are generally capped at 2 MW and subscribers may cover up to 200% of their average monthly usage.

Savings Range
5–10% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
1–5 years typical; some contracts offer longer terms
Subscription Size
Up to 200% of your 12-month average monthly usage
Eligibility
Customers of BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, or SMECO with residential or commercial service
Available to Renters
Yes
Income-Qualified Savings
Enhanced discounts for low- and moderate-income households through utility-specific programs

How Community Solar Works in Maryland

1

Contact your utility (BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, or SMECO) or a community solar developer to find an available project in your service territory.

2

Choose a subscription size — typically sized to cover a portion of your monthly electricity usage.

3

The solar project generates power and monthly production data is reported to your utility.

4

Your utility applies a bill credit based on your share of the project's output at the applicable virtual net metering rate.

5

You pay the community solar provider a discounted rate and receive the difference as savings on your utility bill.

Is Community Solar Worth It in Maryland?

~

Moderate Savings

This state offers solid community solar options with moderate savings. The program is a good fit for renters and those who can't install rooftop solar, though savings may be lower than in leading states.

Typical Savings

5-10%

Upfront Cost

$0

Renters Eligible

Yes

Participating Utilities in Maryland

BGEPepcoDelmarva PowerSMECO

Ready to Subscribe?

Visit the official Maryland community solar program to find available projects and sign up.

Find Projects in MD →

Community Solar FAQs - Maryland

No. Renters with an active BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, or SMECO account are eligible. The program does not require property ownership or any changes to your home.
Most Maryland community solar subscribers save 5–10% on the energy covered by their subscription. Income-qualified households may qualify for enhanced discounts through utility-specific low-income community solar carve-outs.
Maryland's program has operated under a pilot structure since 2015. The legislature has expanded it several times. There have been ongoing discussions about transitioning to a permanent statewide program with expanded capacity.
Contract terms vary by developer and utility program. Typical residential contracts range from 1–5 years. Review your agreement for cancellation terms and any early exit fees before signing.
BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric), Pepco (serving Montgomery and Prince George's Counties), Delmarva Power (Eastern Shore), and SMECO (Southern Maryland) all participate. Service availability depends on project capacity in your specific territory.

More Solar Resources for Maryland

Maryland Solar Data

Installations, costs & panel brands

Maryland Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates & exemptions

Source: NREL Community Solar Policy, state public utility commissions, DSIRE, and utility program documentation. Data reflects programs available as of 2026. Program terms, capacity, and availability change frequently - verify current details with your utility or a licensed community solar provider.