Maryland Energy Administration Announces the FY22 Solar Canopy Grant Program

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce the opening of the FY22 Solar Canopy Grant Program (previously called the Parking Lot Solar PV Canopy with EV Charger Grant Program) on July 21, 2021. The Solar Canopy Grant Program combines Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard goal for solar installations with the State’s ongoing support of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The program provides funding to incentivize the multiple use for land already designated for parking; specifically the generation of clean, renewable electricity, electric vehicle charging capacity, and parking services.

In FY22, $1,000,000 is available for this competitive grant program. MEA will provide up to $500 per kW of canopy mounted solar PV per project, with a cap of $250,000 per project. The program also requires installation of four Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle chargers. Applications for the FY22 program will be accepted until October 29, 2021. Projects must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for award funding. Full program information and application materials can be found in the program’s Funding Opportunity Announcement.

During Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), MEA provided $1.6 million to build eight new solar parking canopies, which included 35 new electric vehicle charging stations.  These solar canopies are expected to generate 4,520,000 kWh of clean, renewable energy per year. These projects were made possible by the Parking Lot Solar PV Canopy with EV Charger Grant Program (aka, Solar Canopy Program), funded by the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF). Projects included canopies for an apartment building, a factory, a high school, an athletic facility, two government buildings, a religious institution, and a parking garage. A full list can be found here. 

Please contact David Comis, the Solar Canopy Grant Program Manager, at david.comis@Maryland.gov or via phone at (410) 537-4063 (office) with any questions or concerns regarding eligibility or application requirements.