SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program

About this funding opportunity

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Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program

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Notice of Intent for Fiscal Year 2027: The Maryland Energy Administration is pleased to announce the intent to renew the Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2027. MEA expects to begin accepting applications this summer 2026. Further updates will be posted on this webpage. Final program parameters and application instructions will be included in the upcoming FY27 Funding Opportunity Announcement.

FY26 Program Status: the application portal is currently CLOSED to new applications.

Program Purpose: The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce its FY26 Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program, which provides grants to Maryland Counties and Municipalities, to offset the costs associated with implementing the free-to-use U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory SolarAPP+ solar permitting software for their communities. The 2024 Brighter Tomorrow Act (S.B. 783, Chapter 595, 2024 Acts of Maryland) requires Maryland local jurisdictions to adopt automated solar permitting software. MEA has determined that the NREL SolarAPP+ permitting platform meets the requirements. For full information on the SolarAPP+ software platform, visit NREL’s SolarAPP+ webpage.

Program Description: The Maryland SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program is offered to Maryland Counties and Municipalities on a first-come, first-served basis. Full eligibility requirements are provided in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) in the "Program Documents" section below. Specifically, funds will be provided to help pay for the costs associated with implementing the SolarAPP+ permitting software. This is envisioned to include, but not be limited to, contractual support, staff training costs, software integration costs, and others.

Eligible Applicants: Maryland Counties and Municipalities Only

NREL SolarAPP+ Introduction and Technical Demonstration: Counties and Municipalities are strongly encouraged to watch the introductory video below to better understand SolarAPP+ and its capabilities. The video includes an overview of the software, followed by a demonstration on how it's used.

SolarAPP+ Introduction and Technical Demonstration - YouTube

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SolarAPP+ Introduction and Technical Demonstration NLR Learning

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Type of Grant Program: First-come, first-served

Application Deadline: February 25, 2026 (updated December 17, 2025)

Funding: $3,900,000 in federal funding is expected to be available. Funds come from the State of Maryland's State Energy Program (SEP) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) formulaic award. Grantees will be expected to meet certain federal requirements as a condition of receiving funds. See the Funding Opportunity Announcement below for more information.

Program Documents: The FY26 SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) provides all terms, conditions, and requirements for the Program, as well as instructions on how to submit an application. A link to the online application portal is also provided. SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program FOA V2 (revised 2025.12.17)

( Note: Revised on July 23, 2025, to reflect accelerated deadline, and to clarify federal funding information.) >>> CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL >> CLICK HERE TO ACCESS QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORTS >> CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR FINAL REPORT <<<

Program Contact: For more information on this MEA funding opportunity, please contact:

Emma…

Topic areas: Energy and Environment, Public Policy and Governance, Smart Cities.

Funding amount

This other provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

SolarAPP+ Implementation Grant Program is administered by Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), listed via Maryland Energy Administration.