1. The Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 783, the Brighter Tomorrow Act, to lower the cost of developing solar projects and increase their value for energy consumers.
2. The bill aims to increase solar development in Maryland to meet clean energy goals, including creating a grant program for low-and-moderate income households to adopt solar.
3. The Brighter Tomorrow Act includes provisions to increase compliance value for solar energy, create a residential solar grant program, and facilitate the adoption of digital solar permitting software in local governments.
On April 8, 2024, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Brighter Tomorrow Act, aimed at lowering the cost of developing Maryland solar projects and increasing the value of solar for energy consumers across the state. The legislation is seen as crucial for spurring additional solar development in Maryland, as part of its transition to a clean economy and to strengthen the electric grid. This is in response to the state falling behind on meeting its Renewable Portfolio Standard goals.
The Brighter Tomorrow Act includes provisions to make it easier for electric suppliers to meet solar targets, increase energy equity through a residential solar grant program, and facilitate the adoption of digital solar permitting software for local governments. The Act aligns with the Moore Administration’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035.
Industry leaders such as Robin Dutta, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA), have praised the Act, stating that it will fuel an expansion of Maryland’s solar workforce. Senator Sarah Elfreth, the primary sponsor of the legislation, and Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, who sponsored the House cross-file, highlight the collaborative effort behind the Brighter Tomorrow Act and its potential impact on promoting solar development in Maryland.