Commercial Solar Grant Program

Summary

Note: As of February 24, 2025, this program has closed for applications; approximately 100% of funding has been awarded for FY 2025.

The Maryland Energy Administration Commercial Solar Grant Program ("CSGP", "the Program") will provide grants for solar PV systems installed at Maryland businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations, that will be owned by or directly benefit (1) low-to-moderate income communities located in a census tract with an average median income at or below 80% of the average median income for the State, or (2) overburdened or underserved communities, as defined by §1-701 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. These solar PV systems can help reduce organizational operational costs and improve their sustainability, which can help them better serve the communities that surround them. Solar PV systems are excellent solutions for organizations that seek to free up capital for other expenses and projects, expand operations and offerings sustainably, and help Maryland meet its clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals. This is especially important for Maryland businesses and other organizations that have historically been disadvantaged, overburdened, and underserved. The Commercial Solar Grant Program will provide more equitable and more meaningful incentives to achieve these objectives under two (2) Areas of Interest:

Area of Interest 1 - Equitable Solar Access for Organizations: Grants for businesses and other organizations that are registered to operate in Maryland that have been designated as, or are actively in the process of being designated as, a Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Enterprise, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, by the Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Minority Business Enterprise; or are Veteran- or Disabled Veteran-Owned.

• AOI 1 Incentive is $1,700/kW-DC for systems from 1 to 500 kW-DC.
• Maximum incentive is the LESSER of $500,000 or 75% of net total project cost.

Area of Interest 2 - Commercial Solar for Sustainability​: Grants for businesses and other organizations with substantial energy needs that can benefit from larger-scale solar PV installations to reduce their energy costs and improve sustainability of their operations.

• AOI 2 Incentive is $600 to $1,000/kW-DC
• Maximum incentive is the LESSER of $500,000 or 50% of net total project costs. 

See program description for full detail.

FY 2025 Program Applications Due March 31, 2025.