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BALCONY SOLAR KITSUNITED STATES

Plug-in solar law passed

Maryland balcony solar law

Published by ChoiscoLast verified

Quick answer

Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Marylanders can use one plug-in solar system of up to 1,200 watts per meter at home. You must tell your utility before installing and certify the system's safety features and size. No approval is needed and there is no fee for feeding power back, but if a disconnect switch is required you pay to install it.

The rules, line by line

Each line shows what we checked and where. Labels explained in our methodology.

Law
HB 1532, Chapter 353, the Utility RELIEF Act (plug-in solar is Public Utilities Article section 7-321)Verified
Sources: Maryland General Assembly, HB 1532; Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Signed
May 12, 2026Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
In effect
July 1, 2026Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Maximum size
1,200 W back to the building, one system per electric meter, residential onlyVerified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Utility approval or notice
No approval. You must notify the utility before installing, with a certification of the safety features and maximum output.Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Fees
No fee for feeding power back. If the system requires an automatic locking disconnect switch, you pay for installing it.Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Required certification
Certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory. Systems of 391 W or less are exempt only from listing rules that would require building alterations.Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Outlet and wiring
A standard electrical outletVerified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Renters and landlords
Nothing in the law. A lease can still restrict what you attach to a balcony.Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
HOAs
Nothing in the law. HOA or condo rules may still restrict installation.Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)
Pay for power sent to the grid
None. Not part of net metering; no renewable energy credits.Verified
Source: Maryland Chapter 353 (HB 1532)

All facts above last checked Oct. 2, 2026.

Products that mention Maryland

  • Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit: Ships only to Utah, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut, New Hampshire and New Jersey. Says it cannot ship to California yet, pending whole-system UL 3700 certification.
  • EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter: Says plug-in installation is "currently permitted in Utah, Maryland and Colorado" and cites Utah H.B. 340
  • EcoFlow STREAM Ultra: Says plug-in installation is "currently permitted in Utah, Maryland and Colorado"

These are the makers' own statements; check each product against the requirements above. See the kit tracker.

Open questions we are tracking

  • How utilities decide that a disconnect switch is required.
  • No renter or HOA protections.

Sources

Timeline

  1. May 12, 2026
    Governor approved HB 1532.
  2. July 1, 2026
    Plug-in solar section took effect.

Get Maryland updates

One email when the rules change or a qualifying kit becomes available in Maryland.

This page explains the law in plain English. Your utility, local codes, lease or HOA may add requirements. Estimate your savings with the calculator.