Plug-in solar in Maryland
Law in effect Checked November 10, 2026
Maryland's law took effect July 1, 2026. You may install one plug-in system of up to 1,200 watts per electric meter at a home. Unlike most states, you must notify your utility before you install and give it a safety certification for the device.
Effective date: July 1, 2026
The law
| Bill | Stage | Last action | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 1532 Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act Chapter 353, 2026 Laws of Maryland | Signed into law | Approved by the Governor - Chapter 353 (May 12, 2026) | Signed: May 12, 2026 Effective: July 1, 2026 |
The rules
| Rule | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum size (output) | 1,200 W A portable solar energy generating system supplies a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts back to the building (PUA 7-321(a)(3)). One system per electric meter, residential use only (7-321(b)). | Source |
| Panel (DC) limit | No limit set The law caps output only. | Source |
| Plug-in batteries | Not mentioned in the law The section does not mention batteries. | Source |
| Tell your utility? | Yes, before installing You must notify your electric company before installation and give it a certification of the system's safety features and maximum capacity. If the system requires an automatic locking disconnect switch, you pay for its installation (7-321(e)). | Source |
| Utility approval needed? | No An electric company may not require approval before installing or using the system (7-321(d)(1)(i)). | Source |
| Renters and landlords | Not mentioned in the law The section does not mention landlords or tenants. | Source |
| HOAs and condo associations | Not mentioned in the law The section does not mention HOAs or covenants. | Source |
| Safety certification required | Certified by UL or an equivalent lab Must be certified by Underwriters Laboratory or an equivalent NRTL (7-321(a)(4)). A system with output to the outlet of 391 watts or less is exempt from listing provisions that would require alterations to the premises, wiring or panels (7-321(f)). | Source |
| Net metering | Excluded Not subject to the net metering sections 7-306 and 7-306.1; not eligible for the RPS and cannot generate renewable energy credits (7-321(c)). | Source |
What's next
Watch for the utility notification forms and whether utilities ask for disconnect switches, which the customer pays for under the law.
Kits in Maryland
| Kit | AC output | UL 3700 | Fit in Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| APsystems EZ1-LV plug-in microinverter | 900 W | Certified (certificate seen), component only | Likely compatible: confirm with seller certificate |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter | 1,200 W | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter + 2 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels | 1,200 W | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-391-1WM-LV | 391 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Hoymiles HiFlow Pro LV HMS-420-1WM-LV | 420 W | Claimed by maker, not verified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 180 W | Not stated | Not certified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim Output not stated, but its panels total 180 W, so it cannot exceed the limit. |
| Bright Saver Balcony Solar Kit, 360 W | Not stated | Not certified | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim Output not stated, but its panels total 360 W, so it cannot exceed the limit.Check device count: Maryland allows one system per electric meter; this product has an unstated number of inverters. |
| CraftStrom 800 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 700 W (estimated) | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim Check device count: Maryland allows one system per electric meter; this product has 2 inverters. |
| CraftStrom 1200 Watt Plug&Play Solar | 1,050 W (estimated) | Unknown | Listing claimed, no certificate seen maker’s claim Check device count: Maryland allows one system per electric meter; this product has 3 inverters. |
| EcoFlow STREAM Ultra | 800 W | Unknown | No certification evidence found |
What these labels mean
- Likely compatible: confirm with seller
- Within the size limit, and we have seen a lab certificate for the kit’s inverter. The law asks for lab certification without naming a standard, so confirm with the seller that the whole kit qualifies.
- Listing claimed, no certificate seen
- The maker says the product is lab-listed (for example to UL 1741), but we have not seen a certificate.
- No certification evidence found
- We found no certificate and no claim for the certification this state requires.
What could it save?
For an 800 W panel kit at Maryland's average residential price of 21.18¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):
- Ideal tilt (20°, south)
- 1,117 kWh a year: about $163 typical (69% used at home), up to $237 best case (100%)
- Vertical railing (90°, south)
- 730 kWh a year: about $107 typical (69% used at home), up to $155 best case (100%)
"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Annapolis (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted
Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).
Questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland's law took effect July 1, 2026. You may install one plug-in system of up to 1,200 watts per electric meter at a home. Unlike most states, you must notify your utility before you install and give it a safety certification for the device.
How big can a plug-in solar system be in Maryland?
A portable solar energy generating system supplies a maximum power output of not more than 1,200 watts back to the building (PUA 7-321(a)(3)). One system per electric meter, residential use only (7-321(b)).
Do I have to tell my utility in Maryland?
Yes, before installing. You must notify your electric company before installation and give it a certification of the system's safety features and maximum capacity. If the system requires an automatic locking disconnect switch, you pay for its installation (7-321(e)).
Can my landlord stop me from using plug-in solar in Maryland?
The Maryland law does not mention landlords, so your lease still governs. The section does not mention landlords or tenants.
What certification does a kit need in Maryland?
Must be certified by Underwriters Laboratory or an equivalent NRTL (7-321(a)(4)). A system with output to the outlet of 391 watts or less is exempt from listing provisions that would require alterations to the premises, wiring or panels (7-321(f)).
Which kits are confirmed to qualify in Maryland?
None yet. We have not seen a certificate covering a complete kit, so no kit is marked compatible in Maryland.
Neighbouring states
- District of Columbia: Bill active
- Delaware: Status not yet confirmed
- Pennsylvania: Bill active
- Virginia: Law passed, not yet in effect
- West Virginia: Bill failed or died
Related: is it worth it? · railing vs tilted panels · renters guide · all kits · Certification watch · how we verify
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly: HB1532 (2026RS) legislation page (Legislature bill page; accessed November 10, 2026)
- Chapter 353 of 2026 (HB 1532), Utility RELIEF Act, chapter text (Law text; accessed November 10, 2026) Public Utilities Article 7-321 is in Section 1, which takes effect July 1, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.