Bill > SB931

This bill introduces several key provisions aimed at supporting and regulating renewable energy, particularly solar energy, in Maryland. The bill establishes a new Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (DGCPCN) for solar energy generating systems with a capacity between 2 and 5 megawatts located outside municipal corporations. It requires the Power Plant Research Program to develop standard siting and design requirements for these systems by July 1, 2026, considering factors such as environmental preservation, stormwater management, historic site impacts, and public safety. The bill modifies existing regulations for solar energy generating stations, including stricter landscaping and visual screening requirements, expanded setback provisions, and more detailed requirements for site development. Additionally, the bill mandates two studies by the Public Service Commission: one to explore new electricity generation project procurement models and another to investigate the feasibility of a community solar automatic enrollment program. The legislation also includes provisions for updating state-owned land databases for potential solar energy development and establishing new licensing requirements for residential rooftop solar system installers. The changes aim to support Maryland's renewable energy goals while providing more structured guidelines for solar energy project development and implementation.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0931?ys=2025RS