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**Program Open and Accepting Applications**
NOTICE REGARDING FEDERAL ACTIONS
The SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program is a federally-funded MEA incentive program. MEA is under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Any update or clarification about the SolarAPP+ Implementaion Grant Program (e.g. new guidance from the United States Department of Energy) will be available on this webpage. In addition, MEA will communicate clarifications and updates made directly to applicants or grantees, as applicable, by letter and/or e-mail. The final grant amount is subject to funding availability for the Program and any relevant statutory requirements applicable at that time.
Program Purpose: The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce its FY25 Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program, which provides grants to Maryland Counties and Municipalities, to help pay the costs associated with implementing the free-to-use U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory SolarAPP+ solar permitting software for their communities. The Maryland General Assembly passed the 2024 Brighter Tomorrow Act (S.B. 783, Chapter 595, 2024 Acts of Maryland), which requires Maryland local jurisdictions to adopt automated solar permitting software selected by and under the direction of MEA. MEA has determined that the NREL SolarAPP+ permitting platform meets the requirements for the software as outlined in the Brighter Tomorrow Act. SolarAPP+ was designed by NREL to provide an automated, streamlined, easy-to-use permitting system to quickly process applications and reduce installation timelines. Please see the sections below for more information on this upcoming MEA grant program. For full information on the SolarAPP+ software platform, visit
NREL’s SolarAPP+ webpage.
Program Description: The Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program is offered to Maryland Counties and Municipalities on a
first-come, first-served basis. Full eligibility requirements are provided in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in the "Program Documents" section below. Specifically, funds will be provided to help pay for the costs associated with implementing the SolarAPP+ permitting software. This is envisioned to include, but not be limited to, contractual support, staff training costs, software integration costs, and others.
Eligible Applicants: Maryland Counties and Municipalities Only
NREL SolarAPP+ Introduction and Technical Demonstration: Counties and Municipalities are strongly encouraged to watch the introductory video below to better understand SolarAPP+ and its capabilities. The video includes an overview of the software, followed by a demonstration on how it's used.
Type of Grant Program: Noncompetitive, first-come, first-served
Application Deadline:
3:00 P.M. ET, April 1, 2025
Funding: $3,900,000 in federal funding is expected to be available. Funds come from the State of Maryland's State Energy Program (SEP) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) formulaic award.
Grantees will be expected to meet certain federal requirements as a condition of receiving funds. See the Funding Opportunity Announcement below for more information.
Program Documents: The FY25 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides all terms, conditions, and requirements for the Program, as well as instructions on how to submit an application. A link to the online application portal is also provided.
Program Contact: For more information on this MEA funding opportunity, please contact:
Emma Stoney, SolarAPP+ Program Manager
Email:
SolarAPP.MEA@Maryland.gov
Phone: 410.537.4000
