Balcony solar in Maryland
In effect since July 1, 2026. Maryland’s law is HB 1532. An 800 W kit on a south-facing railing saves about $118 a year here and pays for itself in about 5.9 years.
Last checked October 6, 2026
What Maryland’s law says
- The law took effect on July 1, 2026.
- It lets qualifying plug-in kits skip the utility’s interconnection process.
- The Maryland Public Service Commission publishes guidance on balcony solar.
What that means right now
The law is in effect. Check the Public Service Commission’s balcony solar page for current rules before you buy.
If you rent or have an HOA
Ask your landlord or HOA first. The law is aimed at utilities. Renters guide.
What a kit saves in Maryland
Estimates at Maryland’s average power price (22.2¢/kWh), 250 W of always-on use at home, extra power counted as $0.
| Setup | Makes per year | Saves per year | Paid back in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 W, south-facing railing ($700) | 702 kWh | $118 | 5.9 yrs |
| 800 W, east or west railing ($700) | 560 kWh | $98 | 7.1 yrs |
| 800 W, south, tilted stand ($700) | 1,079 kWh | $146 | 4.8 yrs |
| 1,200 W, south-facing railing ($1,000) | 1,054 kWh | $140 | 7.1 yrs |
Month by month (800 W, south railing)
A panel hanging straight up does best when the sun is low, so winter months hold up better than you’d expect.
Maryland’s power price is above the national average, so payback is middle of the pack.
Calculate for my home in Maryland
Before you buy
- Confirm the law applies on the date you want to plug in.
- Buy a kit certified to the standard the law requires. UL 3700 explained.
- Stay within the size limit.
- Get your landlord’s or HOA’s OK in writing.
- Check your spot: direction, shade, and a solid railing or stand.
Maryland: common questions
Is balcony solar legal in Maryland?
In effect since July 1, 2026. The law is HB 1532.
How much can balcony solar save in Maryland?
About $118 a year for an 800 W kit on a south-facing railing, at Maryland's average power price of 22.2¢ per kWh. On a tilted stand facing south, about $146.
How long does it take to pay back in Maryland?
About 5.9 years for a $700 kit on a south-facing railing, before power prices rise. Rising prices shorten that.
How many sun hours does Maryland get?
About 4.5 peak sun hours a day on average across the year, at a typical location in the state.
Can my landlord or HOA stop me in Maryland?
Ask your landlord or HOA first. The law is aimed at utilities.
Sources
- Solar.com, 2026 Guide to Balcony & Plug-In Solar (state law table, updated October 1, 2026).
- Solar Waypoint, Where Is Plug-In Solar Legal? (links to the Maryland PSC balcony solar page).
- Electricity prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (March 2026 data).
- Production and savings: our calculation method.