Funded by the Maryland Energy Administration · FY26 Residential Energy Equity Program
A Maryland Residential Energy Equity grant

Maryland homeowners: see if you could qualify for up to $30,000 in state-supported solar installations

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is investing in Maryland families through its Residential Energy Equity Program, helping income-qualified homeowners access clean, renewable solar energy without the high upfront costs that often prevent households from switching.

$0Cost to homeowner
20 yrsFree solar power
$30kInstallation value
State-fundedMaryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund
Certified installersNABCEP-certified solar professionals
Lower billsSolar offsets most of your electricity use
Fully insuredMaintenance covered for the program term
About the program

A limited opportunity for Maryland families

As energy bills continue to rise across the state, many families are looking for ways to reduce monthly expenses and gain greater control over their energy future. This program was created to help make that possible. Through State-supported funding, eligible homeowners may qualify for a rooftop solar installation valued at up to $30,000, providing an opportunity to benefit from renewable energy while reducing household energy burden.

Opportunities like this are limited and highly competitive. Funding is available for a select number of households, and participation is based on eligibility, property suitability, and program requirements.

ThresholdStack serves as a program implementation partner supporting homeowner outreach, intake, and eligibility screening. By completing the form below, you are expressing interest in learning whether your household may qualify for this valuable opportunity.

From application to switch-on

How It Works

From application to switch-on, our team handles the heavy lifting. Here is what to expect.

01
Apply online

Start the conversation

Fill out the short eligibility form below. It takes about 5 minutes. We confirm your household income qualifies and your home is a good fit.

02
Desk review

We verify the details

We verify income documents, check your roof and electrical panel, and confirm weatherization status. Homes may also receive a brief historic-preservation review required by the State.

03
Design & approvals

A system sized for your home

A NABCEP-certified solar professional designs a system sized for your home (3–15 kW). We handle permits and utility interconnection paperwork.

04
Installation & power-on

Licensed contractors build it

Licensed contractors install the panels. Minor enabling repairs (roof or electrical) needed for a safe installation may be covered by the grant. After utility approval, your system starts producing — and you receive free solar power for 20 years under a fully prepaid agreement, with nothing to pay, ever.

Who qualifies

For Maryland homeowners with low-to-moderate income

This program serves Maryland homeowners with low-to-moderate income. You may qualify if all of the following apply.

You own and live in your home

The home must be your primary residence in Maryland. Single-family homes (attached or detached) and small multifamily buildings up to 4 units qualify.

Your income is within program limits

Total household income must be at or below the limits shown below, and the home must also be located in a federally recognized qualifying area for solar program eligibility.

Your home is solar-ready (or we make it ready)

A reasonably sound roof for panels. Homes must be weatherized — if yours isn't yet, weatherization within 6 months of installation is part of the program.

Income Limits · Maximum Annual Household Income

HouseholdMaximum incomeHouseholdMaximum income
1$72,9506$120,900
2$83,4007$129,250
3$93,8008$137,550
4$104,2009$151,300
5$112,55010 (+$13,750 each add'l)$165,050

Income limits set by the Maryland Energy Administration FY26 Residential Energy Equity Program. Counting all household members' income before taxes.

Eligibility inquiry

Check If You Qualify

Share a few quick details — it takes about a minute. A team member will review your information and reach out with next steps.

I understand this form is an eligibility inquiry, not a guarantee of acceptance, and I consent to being contacted by ThresholdStack about this program. *

Your information is used only to assess program eligibility and will never be sold.

Straight answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits, the process, and what the fine print means.

Is it really free? What's the catch?
Yes — the program is funded by a State of Maryland grant that covers 100% of design, installation, and equipment. There is no purchase, no lease payment, no loan, and no fee of any kind. Program rules prohibit charging residents anything. The "agreement" you sign is a 20-year power purchase agreement that is fully prepaid by the grant — meaning you receive the electricity the panels produce at no charge for 20 years.
What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

A Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, is the "agreement" that lets you use solar energy without buying the solar panels yourself. The program helps bring solar power to your home through a written agreement that explains how the system works. Under this program:

  • solar panels may be installed on your home,
  • another organization owns and maintains the system,
  • you receive the electricity the system produces,
  • and the agreement explains everyone's responsibilities.
Who owns the solar panels?
Keys to Africa, Inc., a non-profit and ThresholdStack partner organization, will own and maintain the system for the 20-year agreement term — including insurance and repairs, paid from a dedicated maintenance reserve, never by you. You get all the electricity the system produces. Before installation we walk you through a plain-language summary of your rights and obligations and ours.
Will I still get an electric bill?
Yes. Solar systems are sized to cover up to 95% of your expected annual electricity use, and you remain connected to your utility for nights, cloudy stretches, and any extra usage. The system connects behind the meter, interconnecting with your home's utility meter, and its primary purpose is to serve your home's own demand. Most households see their bills drop substantially — but you will still receive a (smaller) utility bill.
How much will I save?
It depends on your home's electricity use and your utility's rates. The system is designed to produce most of the power you use over a year, so the savings are roughly the value of that solar electricity at your utility's rate, every year, for 20 years. We provide a home-specific estimate during the design step.
I rent my home. Can I participate?
This solar program is for owner-occupied homes only. If you rent, ask your landlord about the program — and Maryland offers separate energy-efficiency programs that do serve renters; we're glad to point you in the right direction.
What are the income limits?
For MEA requirements, see the "Income Limits" chart above. Additionally, the home needs to be in one of the federally recognized solar-eligible areas, identified through Census Tract mapping tools. We verify income with documents such as paystubs or tax returns, or proof of enrollment in programs like SNAP.
What is the weatherization requirement?
The State requires homes to be weatherized (insulation, air sealing — verified by a certified energy auditor) before or shortly after solar is installed, so the home doesn't waste the energy the panels produce. If your home was weatherized in the last 5 years, you're set. If not, our team can work with you to set up weatherization within 6 months.
What if my roof needs repairs?
The grant can cover "enabling repairs" — limited roof, electrical, or health-and-safety work needed to install solar safely. If your roof needs more than the program can cover, we'll tell you honestly during the home review.
What are the benefits?
  • No upfront installation cost
  • Lower dependence on utility-supplied electricity
  • Increased energy affordability
  • Professional installation and system maintenance through program partners
How do we enroll in the program?
  • Complete the interest form
  • Our team will review your eligibility
  • Once eligibility is confirmed, homeowners upload documents
  • If selected, our team will schedule a call
How long does the whole process take, and when will installation begin?
Once your home is eligible for solar installation, our team signs an agreement and walks you through all the points in the contract. Once signed, our team does a final check for roof repairs, the MEA-required historic review and wildlife-barrier review, designs the solar install, files for Permission to Operate with your utility provider, and completes other procurements as needed. You can expect installation to begin sometime in fall of 2026.
Who is funding the solar program?
The State of Maryland Energy Administration's Residential Energy Equity Program is open to non-profit organizations and local government entities and is designed to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that benefit Maryland residents experiencing low-to-moderate incomes. ThresholdStack administers the program in partnership with Keys to Africa, working with licensed, NABCEP-certified solar installers. Learn more at energy.maryland.gov.
What happens after 20 years?
The agreement covers 20 years of free power. Details about the end of the term (such as system transfer options) are spelled out in your agreement and explained before you sign.

Sunshine is free. Now your solar can be too.

Funding is limited — check your eligibility today and we'll take it from there.

Check If You Qualify