Do I need to tell BGE, Pepco or my utility?

Yes. Notify them before you install and give them a certification of the system's safety features and maximum capacity. You don't need their approval.

Can my utility charge a fee?

It can't charge any fee related to the system feeding power back. If your system needs an automatic locking disconnect switch, you pay to install it.

Will I get net metering credits?

No. Portable systems are excluded from net metering and can't earn renewable energy credits.

Does my system need UL certification?

Yes, from UL or an equivalent lab. Systems of 391 watts or less are exempt only from listing rules that would require changes to your wiring or panel.

Can my landlord stop me?

The law doesn't address renters or landlords, so your lease and building rules still apply.

Is Balcony Solar Legal in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland's HB 1532, the Utility RELIEF Act, became Chapter 353 on May 12, 2026, and its plug-in solar section took effect July 1, 2026. You can use one certified portable solar system of up to 1,200 watts per electric meter at home, with no utility approval or fees, but you must notify your utility before installing.

Maryland balcony solar at a glance

Status	✅ Signed
Bill	HB 1532, The Speaker and others
Signed	May 12, 2026
Effective	July 1, 2026
Size limit	1,200 W per system, one system per electric meter
Utility interconnection agreement	Not required
Utility fees	Not allowed
Certification	Certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing lab
Renter / HOA rules	Not addressed in the bill text
Last checked	October 28, 2026

What Chapter 353 (HB 1532, Utility RELIEF Act) actually does

Covers a movable portable solar system that plugs into a standard outlet, is meant mainly to offset your use, and supplies no more than 1,200 W.
One system per electric meter, for residential use only.
Certified hardware: certified by UL or an equivalent nationally recognized testing lab.
No utility approval, no interconnection agreement, and no fee related to the system feeding power back.
Before installing, notify your utility and give it a certification of the system's safety features and maximum generating capacity.
If the system needs an automatic locking disconnect switch, you pay to install it. Otherwise the utility can't require extra equipment.
Systems of 391 W or less are exempt from product listing rules that would require changes to the building's wiring or electrical panels. They still need certification.
Not part of net metering and can't earn renewable energy credits. The utility isn't liable for damage.

Renters, landlords and HOAs in Maryland

The bill doesn't say anything about landlords or HOAs, so your lease and building rules still decide. Before you buy:

Read your lease and HOA rules for anything about balcony attachments or electrical devices.
Ask in writing before mounting anything to a railing.
Prefer clamp-on or freestanding mounts that don't drill into the building.

How much can balcony solar save in Maryland?

Find your price per kWh on your BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, SMECO or electric cooperative bill.
Check the kit's estimated yearly output for your location and the way your balcony faces (south is best, then east or west).
Multiply: yearly kWh × your price per kWh = rough yearly savings. Or use the balcony solar calculator.

Shade, railing angle and how much of the power you use while it's being made all change the result. Plug-in systems are meant to offset what your home uses, not to sell power back.

Timeline

February 13, 2026: HB 1532 introduced in the House.
March 17, 2026: House passes it 108–25.
April 6, 2026: Senate passes it with amendments 38–4.
April 13, 2026: Both chambers pass the conference version.
May 12, 2026: Governor Wes Moore approves it as Chapter 353.
July 1, 2026: The portable solar section takes effect.

FAQ

Is balcony solar legal in Maryland?: Yes. Since July 1, 2026, Maryland allows one portable solar system up to 1,200 watts per electric meter for residential use.
Do I need to tell BGE, Pepco or my utility?: Yes. Notify them before you install and give them a certification of the system's safety features and maximum capacity. You don't need their approval.
Can my utility charge a fee?: It can't charge any fee related to the system feeding power back. If your system needs an automatic locking disconnect switch, you pay to install it.
Will I get net metering credits?: No. Portable systems are excluded from net metering and can't earn renewable energy credits.
Does my system need UL certification?: Yes, from UL or an equivalent lab. Systems of 391 watts or less are exempt only from listing rules that would require changes to your wiring or panel.
Can my landlord stop me?: The law doesn't address renters or landlords, so your lease and building rules still apply.

Sources

This page explains the law in plain language. It is not legal advice. Last checked October 28, 2026.