BALTIMORE – The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the availability of $25 million in new grants through the Fiscal Year 2026 Residential Energy Equity Grant Program, which provides funding for home and building energy efficiency upgrades that benefit Marylanders experiencing low- or moderate income. This year, the program also incorporates solar technology, expanding support to include the design and installation of solar photovoltaic energy systems for qualifying residences. Non-profit organizations, cities and counties may apply to receive funding for projects that advance electrification, solar deployment and zero-emission technologies. “The Residential Energy Equity program helps income-qualified Marylanders in all parts of the state make home energy improvements that deliver long-term utility bill savings, healthier and safer homes, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. That’s a win-win-win,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This program ‘helps the helpers’ by working through partners to deliver tangible relief for the Marylanders who need it most.” According to the U.S. Department of Energy, low-income households have the country’s highest energy burden, or percentage of a household’s monthly income spent on energy expenses. In comparison to higher-income households, low-income households face an energy burden that is, on average, three times higher. Updating outdated and inefficient lighting, appliances, and heating and cooling systems reduces the amount of energy that a household needs, helping Marylanders shrink their energy costs and free up income for other expenses. Adding a solar system further reduces energy cost and consumption, because the energy is produced at virtually zero operating cost. In addition, Maryland’s net metering law allows for solar energy that exceeds a home’s usage to be sold back to the grid, further enhancing the cost savings to disadvantaged and overburdened Marylanders. Total anticipated funding for the program in FY26 is $25.2 million. The deadline for grant applications is December 18th, 2025 at 3 p.m. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Announcement for full details. Please contact Program Manager Angel Saules for more information: [email protected] /410-537-4000. The Maryland Energy Administration promotes clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency and its programs, visit our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook. -###- | 
