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Maryland Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant Program
If you are a Maryland resident considering solar energy but are concerned about the cost of a solar energy system, there is some good news for you. To make solar more affordable and accessible for homeowners and businesses, Maryland has announced a US$2 million initiative, “Maryland Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant Program” in the state. The Maryland Energy Administration will fund the purchase and installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support statewide growth of the technology. It is a first-come, first-served grant through a two-step application process.
Climate change is becoming a serious concern for the United States. During this summer, millions of Americans cranked up their air conditioners and watched their electricity bills skyrocket. As per CNBC report, the electric bill or an average home is expected to increase by $219 in 2025. In addition to rising bills, consistent power blackouts across the country left families sweltering without relief. Severe weathers like heat domes, hurricanes, and storms are becoming more frequent and more intense, increasing electricity demand. But America’s aging power grid struggles to keep up as the transformers and other equipment overheat and fail under sustained high temperatures. It means you can’t rely on the grid only. So, it’s worth considering solar panels paired with battery storage to maximize grid independence and lowering high bills, especially now, while the 30% federal tax credit is still available through December 31, 2025.
You will learn in this article about how the Maryland Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant Program works, the complete application process, eligibility, and the deadline of the MD solar program.
How does the Maryland Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant work?
This solar program has introduced by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) for the first time, aiming to support more people in embracing clean power and backup storage options. The Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit Program, which was discontinued at the end of Calendar Year 2024, is replaced by this program. It is included in the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) has reserved $2,000,000 for this program. The state homeowners and businesses can get funds from the RCES Program to help offset the cost of buying and setting up a grid-connected battery energy storage system on their property.
This means that, in practical terms, you could keep essential appliances like your air conditioner or refrigerator running for up to 10 hours during a power outage. The program’s objectives are to boost energy resilience by providing backup power for critical home systems, improve grid stability by reducing peak demand, and promote the statewide adoption of renewable energy technologies. Through a two-step application process, this non-competitive grant will be given to qualified projects.
Who is eligible for the Maryland RCES grant program?
The Maryland energy storage program grants are available for both residential and commercial solar sectors. Also, the third-party owner, like PPA companies, is also eligible for this state rebate. However, it is a first-come, first-served grant, so an application must be submitted and a Reservation Certificate issued by MEA before the battery storage system is installed. The calculation of the grant awards varies based on whether the energy storage system is installed on a business or residential property. A grant payout for an eligible application under the RCES Program is determined by the following steps:
- 30% of the battery energy storage system’s total installed costs
- $5,000 for the installation of a battery energy storage system on a home
- $150,000 for a commercial battery energy storage system installation
MEA will examine each application to determine eligibility, taking into account the availability of funds. The applicant will be informed after their application has been accepted for payment processing. Also, in case of rejection, you will also be notified.
What is the application process for the MD Residential and Commercial Energy Grant?
It is a 2-step application process.
Firstly, the applicant will use the MyMEA Portal to apply for the RCES program together with all necessary supporting documentation. After the submission and evaluation of an eligible application, MEA will issue a “Reservation Certificate” attesting to the grant funds that have been reserved, subject to funding availability. An application for a Reservation Certificate must be filed with MEA once the applicant and battery storage supplier have a current, signed installation contract. Until the Reservation Certificate is issued, no installation work can start. After being signed and dated by MEA, a reservation certificate is deemed “Effective.”
On step 2, the applicant must provide MEA with a Completion Certificate within 180 days of the effective date of the Reservation Certificate. MEA will check the Completion Certificate upon receipt to verify eligibility. Maryland Energy Authority will allocate grant funding to eligible projects.
The application deadline is June 5, 2026. An application will be put on standby if any information or paperwork is missing or inaccurate. Notification and a request for the missing data or supporting documentation will be sent to the applicant. Within 14 calendar days after the date on which MEA notifies the applicant, any missing or clarifying information or documentation must be submitted. The application will be rejected if the missing information is not received within 14 calendar days. If an application is rejected for this reason, applicants can resubmit it within the grant deadline.
What are the required documents to apply for the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant?
To acquire the Reservation Certificate for Step 1 of the application process, you must submit the complete, accurate, and up-to-date information to the MyMEA application portal. Keep in mind that any name other than the one on a government-issued ID will cause a significant delay in the award payment process. Additionally, applicants must submit a signed AND notarized letter from the property owner granting them express written consent to install the BESS on the property. Furthermore, after the project is completed, you will need the following documents to request the Completion Certificate.
- Completion Certificate Data
- Executed BESS Agreement
- Utility Interconnection Agreement & Permission to Operate
- Paid-in-Full Documentation (Purchased BESS)
- Financing Agreement Documentation (Financed BESS)
- IRS Form W9 (Commercial Applicants)
- Good Standing Documentation (Commercial Applicants)
In conclusion, as the electricity crisis is rising and the 30% Federal Tax Credit is ending in December 2025, the RCES grant program is a great opportunity for Maryland homeowners and businesses to switch to a reliable backup power, maximize their grid independence, and protect themselves from high bills and power outages for the future.
Solar SME is a trusted solar installer in Maryland, offering tailored solar and backup storage solutions for homes and businesses. You can get a FREE Quote with our smart solar calculator.
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