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MarylandHB 11112025 Regular SessionHouse

Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Systems - Systems Located on or Over Water Retention Ponds, Quarries, or Brownfields

Sponsored By: David Fraser-Hidalgo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationEnergy and ClimateTaxes - PropertyBaltimore CityCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Energy Matters -see also- Fuel; NuclearMatt; PwrPlnts; etc.Environmental IncentivesEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutIndustry and TechnologyMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; Balt; Hager; OCPower PlantsProperty TaxSolar EnergyTax CreditsUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

More solar owners qualify for energy credits

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland expands access to certified solar renewable energy credits for systems on or over brownfields. The expansion also covers water retention ponds or quarries currently or previously designated for industrial use. These systems must have 20 kilowatts to 5 megawatts of capacity, measured by their inverter’s alternating-current rating. They must enter service from July 1, 2024, through January 1, 2028, including both dates. Systems must be in Maryland, count toward the state’s renewable energy standard, and receive Public Service Commission certification. Certification requires an application and interconnection agreement, plus brownfield documentation, final local building permits, and an aggregated net-metering rider where applicable.

Local tax breaks for nonresidential solar owners

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland local governments can create property-tax credits for qualifying nonresidential solar systems. Eligible sites include brownfields and water retention ponds or quarries currently or previously designated for industrial use. Baltimore City, counties, and towns must enact a local law before owners can receive a credit. Each locality sets the credit amount, how long it lasts, and any added eligibility rules. No locality must offer a credit, and the state law sets no credit amount.

Some nonresidential solar owners lose tax exemption

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law removes a property-tax exemption for specified nonresidential solar systems. It covered systems approved by Maryland’s Public Service Commission on or after July 1, 2024. Covered locations included building rooftops, parking canopies, and brownfields, along with floating systems. These owners lose that exemption and may owe property taxes under other applicable law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Fraser-Hidalgo

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 137

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 4

House vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 37

House vote • 3/17/2025

Floor Amendment {153322/1 (Delegate Szeliga) Rejected

Yes: 38 • No: 96 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 458

    5/13/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-4)

    4/7/2025Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/7/2025Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/7/2025Senate

  7. Hearing 4/03 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/18/2025Senate

  8. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/17/2025Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (101-37)

    3/17/2025House

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2025House

  11. Floor Amendment {153322/1 (Delegate Szeliga) Rejected (38-96)

    3/17/2025House

  12. Motion Special Order until 03/17 (Delegate Szeliga) Adopted

    3/15/2025House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {883922/1 Adopted

    3/15/2025House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/15/2025House

  15. Hearing 2/21 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/7/2025House

  16. First Reading Economic Matters

    2/5/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/13/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/5/2025

    PDF

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