Do I need utility permission in Maryland?

It depends on your state's rules and your utility. The safe path in Maryland is to use a UL-listed (UL 3700) microinverter and check your utility's interconnection policy (major utilities here include Pepco, BGE) before you install; see the status for Maryland above for specifics.

Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Maryland?

Gray area - check utility Avg rate ~17¢/kWh

Last verified: June 14, 2026 · source data

Quick answer: Plug-in / balcony solar is legal in Maryland under HB 1532, signed on May 12, 2026. Systems up to 1,200W of panel capacity are allowed without utility approval, interconnection paperwork, or fees, provided the equipment is certified by an accredited testing laboratory (UL or equivalent), effective May 12, 2026. Average residential rate is around 17¢/kWh.

Thinking about installing? See our best plug-in solar kits for 2026 and estimate your yearly savings.

As of 2026, Maryland has no specific statewide law that names plug-in or balcony solar, so it sits in the same legal gray area as most of the U.S.: generally not banned, but governed in practice by your utility's interconnection rules rather than a clear state statute. With roughly average electricity prices, a plug-in kit delivers steady savings and a typical payback in the mid-single-digit years. In Maryland, residential power mostly comes from BGE and Pepco, and their interconnection or notification policy is the real gatekeeper for a small grid-tied system. Before buying, confirm with them that a plug-in microinverter setup is permitted, stay within any wattage cap they specify, and choose a UL-listed (UL 3700 pathway) kit for safety.

Before you buy in Maryland

Call your electric utility and ask: (1) do they allow small plug-in / behind-the-meter grid-tied solar, and (2) is any notification or interconnection form required? Stay within the wattage they specify, use a UL-listed microinverter, and keep written confirmation.

Then estimate your numbers with our savings calculator (pre-loaded with Maryland's rate).

Ready to start? Compare the top kits for your home in our Best balcony solar kits 2026 guide →

Nearby states: Virginia · West Virginia · Pennsylvania · Delaware · see the full 50-state tracker.

Status last reviewed 2026-06-14. Plug-in solar law is evolving quickly — verify current Maryland rules and your utility's policy directly. Informational, not legal advice.