Fiscal Year 2027
Program Purpose: The Maryland Energy Administration is pleased to announce the FY27 Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program to award grants on a first-come first-served basis to defray the costs associated with implementing the free-to-use
SolarAPP+ automated residential solar and energy storage permitting software, such as contractual support, staff training costs, software integration costs, and others.
The adoption of SolarAPP+ (or another automated permitting tool) satisfies the requirement in Maryland law to adopt software to automate the permit and plan review process for residential solar and energy storage systems by August 1, 2027.
Program Type: First-Come First-Served Grant
Target Audience: Maryland counties, cities, towns, and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) over residential solar permitting.
Funding Opportunity Announcement Issue Date: July 1, 2026
Application Deadline: 3:00 PM ET, November 18, 2026 through the JotForm application portal. The online application portal may close to new applications prior to the Application Deadline, if the total budget requested exceeds the available Program Budget.
Online Application Portal Status: Open to new applications
Anticipated Program Budget: MEA anticipates up to $3,800,000 will be available from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) State Energy Program (SEP) for grants awarded under this Program. The total amount awarded may be more or less, depending on the funding sources, the amount available and restrictions on each funding source, and the number and quality of applications received.
Program Documents:
Other Resources
For Current Grantees:
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.
Program Contact:
- FY27 Applicants and Other Stakeholders: For questions regarding the FY27 Program and Application, contact MEA at [email protected] or by phone at (410) 382-1605.
- FY25 and FY26 Grantees: For questions regarding a Grant Agreement, Grant Reporting, Invoicing, Extension Request, Close Out, Ribbon Cutting, or other inquiries, contact MEA at [email protected] or by phone at (443) 306- 8149.
