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The Maryland Energy Administration has launched the FY25 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program to support faster solar permitting across the state. The program, endorsed by the coalition Streamline Solar for Maryland—which includes Solar United Neighbors, Permit Power, Sierra Club, Environment Maryland, Maryland Rooftop Solar Coalition, and the Solar Energy Industry Association—aims to provide financial assistance to local jurisdictions for implementing the SolarAPP+ software platform developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This platform is designed to expedite solar plan reviews and streamline the permitting process.
Mandated by the Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024, Maryland jurisdictions are now required to use automated solar permitting software, with SolarAPP+ emerging as a preferred choice. While SolarAPP+ is available to jurisdictions free of charge, the new grant program will cover associated implementation expenses such as contractual support, staff training, and software integration, making it easier for counties, cities, and towns to adopt instant permitting.
Maryland General Assembly passes bill to incentivize local solar development
The program’s budget of approximately $3.9 million will assist local governments in implementing SolarAPP+ to reduce wait times for solar permits, enhancing access to safe and efficient solar energy installations statewide. Applications for the grant are open until April 1, 2025, offering local governments an opportunity to streamline solar installations and contribute to Maryland’s clean energy goals.
This initiative positions Maryland as a leader in renewable energy policy, leveraging the Brighter Tomorrow Act and grant support to empower communities to adopt rooftop solar and home battery systems more efficiently, thereby advancing the state’s clean energy transition.
Source: Solar Power World
