SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program

The Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), supports local jurisdictions across Maryland in modernizing their residential solar permitting systems. Backed by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this initiative is designed to facilitate adoption of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) SolarAPP+ platform, an automated permitting software. This effort aligns with the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024, which mandates that Maryland counties and municipalities automate solar permitting processes by August 2025. The program is structured as a noncompetitive, first-come, first-served grant available exclusively to Maryland counties and municipalities. It offers a formula-based award calculation consisting of a base amount of $10,000 plus $0.95 per household served by the jurisdiction, with expected individual awards not to exceed $100,000. Larger amounts may be considered with sufficient justification and available funds. The total program funding is $3.9 million in federal funds, and all grant activities must be directly tied to SolarAPP+ implementation. Allowable expenses include staff training, development of procedures, IT integration, and necessary fee adjustments. Non-SolarAPP+ related expenditures are ineligible. To apply, jurisdictions must submit through the MEA online application portal no later than 3:00 PM ET on January 31, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Required documents include a completed application form, an overview of the current permitting process, a resource and cost breakdown, an IRS W-9, and proof of good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. All contractors involved must be registered and in good standing in Maryland, and projects must be located within the state. Previous recipients are ineligible for duplicate funding for the same project. Each application is reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Those meeting all requirements are evaluated and either approved or rejected based on fund availability and alignment with program goals. Partial grants may be offered if total requested funds exceed available resources. Grant recipients must enter into a formal agreement with MEA and are expected to complete all project milestones and reporting by July 1, 2027. Grantees must comply with federal requirements and reporting protocols as outlined in the program’s Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). All payments are processed electronically through the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. Questions regarding the grant can be directed to Program Manager Emma Stoney at SolarAPP.MEA@Maryland.gov or 410.537.4000. The FOA, revised on July 23, 2025, is the authoritative source for detailed guidance and is publicly accessible online.

Emphasize clarity in cost breakdown and resource planning; ensure early review of good standing documents to avoid rejection