Is balcony solar legal in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland has a plug-in solar law in effect.
Up to 1,200 W; one system per electric meter, residential use only. Signed May 12, 2026. The Public Service Commission already publishes utility notification forms.
- Size limit
- 1,200 W
- Utility notice
- Notice before installing
- Electricity price
- 21.3¢/kWh
- 800 W kit payback
- 4.9 years
The law at a glance
| Status | Law in effect |
|---|---|
| Bill | HB 1532 (2026 session) |
| Where it lives in law | Public Utilities Article §7-321 |
| Signed | May 12, 2026 |
| Effective | In force; the PSC lists utility notification contacts |
| Size limit | Up to 1,200 W; one system per electric meter, residential use only |
| Certification | Certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL. Devices rated 391 W or less are exempt from product-listing provisions that would require changes to building wiring or panels. |
What your utility can and can't require
- Notify your utility before installing and certify the device’s safety features and maximum capacity.
- The utility cannot require approval or charge a fee.
- If an automatic locking disconnect switch is required, the customer pays for it.
- If your meter cannot track power sent back to the grid, the excess may count as zero or even be added to your usage. Ask your utility how your meter handles it.
Renters, landlords and HOAs
- The PSC page does not address landlord or HOA rules.
Other requirements
- The PSC warns of shock and fire risk from overloaded circuits and from an energized plug.
What we could not confirm. Secondary sources disagree on the exact effective date; the PSC treats the program as active.
What a balcony kit would save in Maryland
Maryland's average residential price was 21.3¢ per kWh for January–August 2026, above the US average of 18.2¢ and up 13% from the same months of 2025 (EIA). That ranks 14 of 51 for price.
| 800 W kit, $700 | kWh per year | Savings per year | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging on a south-facing railing | 826 | $141 | 4.9 years |
| East / west railing (average of both directions) | 598 | $109 | 6.4 years |
| Tilted 35° on a stand, facing south | 1171 | $180 | 3.9 years |
Assumes a constant 300 W load, no additional shade and no export credit. Hourly-derived typical-year model for Baltimore, a representative location rather than a state average. How we calculate.
Before you buy
- Confirm the law is in effect on the day you plan to install.
- Choose a kit certified to the standard Maryland names. See UL 3700 explained.
- Check your lease or HOA rules. See renters and HOAs.
- Pick an outlet on a circuit without heavy loads. See safety.
- Send your utility any required notice before plugging in.
Common questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland has a plug-in solar law in effect. Up to 1,200 W; one system per electric meter, residential use only. Signed May 12, 2026. The Public Service Commission already publishes utility notification forms. Status checked October 29, 2026.
What is the wattage limit for balcony solar in Maryland?
Up to 1,200 W; one system per electric meter, residential use only.
Do I need to tell my utility in Maryland?
Notify your utility before installing and certify the device’s safety features and maximum capacity. The utility cannot require approval or charge a fee. If an automatic locking disconnect switch is required, the customer pays for it. If your meter cannot track power sent back to the grid, the excess may count as zero or even be added to your usage. Ask your utility how your meter handles it.
Can renters install balcony solar in Maryland?
The PSC page does not address landlord or HOA rules.
How much would balcony solar save in Maryland?
At Maryland's average residential price of 21.3¢/kWh, an 800 W kit hanging on a south-facing railing would save about $141 a year in our model, paying back a $700 kit in about 4.9 years. The average of east- and west-facing railing scenarios saves about $109.
Sources for Maryland
Found something out of date? Email hiruben@gmail.com. We log fixes on the corrections page. This page is general information, not legal advice.