§ 9-2016

§9–2016. IN EFFECT

// EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2027 PER CHAPTER 595 OF 2024 //

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Eligible customer–generator” has the meaning stated in § 7–306 of the Public Utilities Article.

(3) “Low to moderate income” means a household with an annual household income at or below 150% of the average median income for the State.

(4) “Program” means the Customer–Sited Solar Program established in this section.

(b) There is a Customer–Sited Solar Program in the Administration.

(c) The purpose of the Program is to:

(1) increase deployment of customer–sited solar energy generating systems; and

(2) provide grants to eligible customer–generators that have installed solar energy generating systems with or without energy storage.

(d) (1) The Administration shall:

(i) on or before January 1, 2025, establish application and income verification procedures for the Program; and

(ii) award grants from the Program.

(2) An applicant for a grant under this section shall:

(i) include in the application an executed contract to purchase or lease a solar energy generating system or an executed power purchase agreement for the system;

(ii) demonstrate that an agreement entered into between a third party and an eligible customer–generator meets the minimum benefits published under subsection (j) of this section; and

(iii) include a signed disclosure form developed under subsection (l) of this section.

(e) The Program may provide grants to an income–verified eligible customer–generator with a low to moderate income in an amount equal to $750 per kilowatt of nameplate capacity for a solar energy generating system, up to a maximum of $7,500 per system.

(f) A grant awarded under subsection (e) of this section shall be funded from fees collected under § 7–705(b)(2)(i)2 of the Public Utilities Article and allocated in accordance with § 9–20B–05(g–1) of this title.

(g) The Administration shall use the income verification processes under § 7–306.2(f)(1)(iv)1 through 6 of the Public Utilities Article to verify income for an eligible customer–generator with a low to moderate income.

(h) A third party may:

(1) apply for a grant on behalf of an eligible customer–generator with proof of consent from the eligible customer–generator; and

(2) be assigned a grant by the eligible customer–generator to act on behalf of the eligible customer–generator.

(i) (1) Funding used for grants under this section shall be monitored through an application process maintained by the Administration and visible on the Administration’s website.

(2) Data on the Administration’s website shall:

(i) include the amount of funding available, reserved, and spent for the fiscal year; and

(ii) be updated regularly.

(j) The Administration shall publish:

(1) the disclosure form developed under subsection (l) of this section; and

(2) the minimum benefits that an eligible customer–generator must receive under an agreement with a third party.

(k) A solar energy generating system shall be installed within 180 days after a grant under this section is reserved by the Administration for an eligible customer–generator.

(l) (1) The Administration shall develop a consumer protection policy in consultation with representatives of the customer–sited solar industry.

(2) The consumer protection policy developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:

(i) include a disclosure form for solar energy power purchase agreements, solar energy lease agreements, and solar energy loan agreements that must be signed by an eligible customer–generator before entering into the agreement;

(ii) for a solar energy power purchase agreement or a solar energy lease agreement, prohibit an annual rate increase of more than 3%;

(iii) allow a customer–generator to cancel an agreement entered into with a third party up to 30 days after signing the agreement; and

(iv) be easily accessible on the Administration’s website and social media platforms.