Commercial and Canopy Solar Program

The Commercial and Canopy Solar Program, administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), offers financial assistance for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects aimed at expanding access to clean energy in low-to-moderate income (LMI) and overburdened communities across Maryland. The FY26 iteration of the program represents a consolidation of two previous grant initiatives—Commercial Solar and Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology—into a unified offering. This consolidated approach simplifies access while supporting a broad array of solar technologies including rooftop-mounted, ground-mounted, and canopy-based solar systems. The overarching goal is to accelerate Maryland’s progress toward clean energy adoption, greenhouse gas reduction, and energy affordability. The FY26 program is non-competitive and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a total anticipated budget of $13 million, sourced from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund via Clean Energy Jobs Act Alternative Compliance Payments. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses registered to operate in Maryland. These applicants must own or lease eligible facilities located within designated LMI or overburdened communities. Two main funding tracks are available: Area of Interest 1 targets SBEs, veteran-owned businesses, and nonprofits; Area of Interest 2 supports broader commercial and institutional applicants. Grant awards are calculated based on a tiered incentive structure, dependent on whether the system is purchased or third-party owned, and whether the installation is a canopy or non-canopy type. For example, Area 1 canopy systems may receive $2,500/kWDC or 90% of total project costs, whichever is less, while Area 2 non-canopy systems may receive $1,700/kWDC or up to 75% of costs. The maximum award per property owner is $500,000. Projects must be located in eligible census tracts and are subject to various technical, financial, and administrative requirements including EV-readiness for canopy projects, involvement of NABCEP-certified professionals, and adherence to historic preservation standards. Applications must be submitted through MEA’s online portal by February 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. A complete application includes the signed FY26 MEA application form, proof of eligibility and facility control, a detailed project budget workbook, twelve months of utility data, system design and location documentation, and in the case of multifamily buildings, a tenant notification attestation. Specific requirements apply to each applicant type under Area of Interest 1, such as proof of 501(c)(3) status or MDOT small business certification. Awards will be issued in the order that complete and eligible applications are received. Grantees may receive up to 30% of the grant amount after permitting and material delivery, with the remaining funds available upon project completion and utility permission to operate. All projects must be completed within four years of the grant agreement signing. Reporting is required on a quarterly basis. While the FY26 program does not require letters of intent or pre-proposals, incomplete submissions will be placed on standby and must be corrected within 14 days. The program is expected to recur annually with an application cycle typically opening each November.

Ensure facility is in an LMI/overburdened census tract; budget must reflect current project cost; canopy systems must meet EV-Ready standards; W9 and EIN must match application exactly.