Most Marylanders assume solar savings are only for homeowners with a good south-facing roof. That's wrong. If you live in BGE territory — whether you rent an apartment, rent a house, or own a home with a shaded or aging roof — you can start saving 10–20% on your electricity bill this year. No panels. No landlord permission. No upfront cost.
It's called community solar, and it's one of the most underused energy programs in the state.
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar is a state-regulated program that lets households subscribe to a share of a solar farm built elsewhere in Maryland. You don't own anything — you subscribe, like a streaming service. Each month, your share of the farm's electricity output is credited directly to your BGE bill, reducing the amount you owe. The savings show up automatically. You don't switch utilities. You don't need an electrician. Nothing changes except your bill going down.
Maryland made its community solar program permanent in February 2025, giving it some of the strongest consumer protections in the country. The state scored a perfect 13 out of 13 on the 2025 Community Power Scorecard. Subscribers pay a discounted rate for their solar credits — typically 10–20% below BGE's retail rate — locked in for the duration of their subscription. When your subscription output exceeds your monthly usage, Maryland law caps your bill at BGE's fixed customer charge of $9.65. That's the floor.
Why BGE Bills Keep Rising
Join homeowners already locking in solar savings
Get your free community solar savings estimate. No installation, no commitment.
BGE raised its rates three separate times in the first three months of 2026 — electric distribution, gas distribution, and supply rates all went up. Maryland electricity rates now sit around 19.87 cents per kilowatt-hour, well above the national average. BGE is required to file its next rate case before the end of 2026, which means another round of increases is already on the horizon. This is not a one-time blip — since Exelon acquired BGE in 2012, electric rates have nearly doubled and gas distribution rates have more than tripled.
Community solar is one of the only tools available to Maryland renters that directly offsets this trend. The credits on your bill grow in value as BGE's rates rise, because you're paying a discounted fixed rate while the retail rate BGE charges everyone else keeps climbing. See the full breakdown of BGE's 2026 rate increases →
Step-by-Step: Enroll Through SunFunnel
Enrollment takes about five minutes. Here's exactly how it works:
Step 1 — Check your savings. Visit sunfunnel.polsia.app/savings and enter your ZIP code and average monthly bill. The calculator shows your projected annual savings based on your utility territory and current BGE rates. No personal information required for this step.
Step 2 — Compare available plans. SunFunnel surfaces the best-matched community solar options for your ZIP code — comparing discount rate, contract length, and developer. You pick the plan that fits. Most BGE-territory plans offer 10–20% off retail and are month-to-month or short-term (1–2 years).
Step 3 — Pick your provider and enroll. Select your plan and complete a simple enrollment form: name, service address, BGE account number (found on your bill), and email. No credit card. No upfront payment. You'll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours and a welcome packet from the community solar developer.
Step 4 — See savings on your next bill. Activation typically takes 4–8 weeks. Once live, you'll see a "Community Solar Credit" line item on your BGE bill every month. Your bill goes down. Nothing else changes.
Who Qualifies?
Maryland's community solar program is broad by design. You qualify if:
- You are a Maryland renter in BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, or SMECO territory — no landlord permission needed
- You are a homeowner with an unsuitable roof — too shaded, too old, wrong orientation, or you just don't want panels
- You have active BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, or SMECO service in your name (your name must be on the utility account)
- You are a small business or commercial tenant in Maryland utility territory
You do not need to own your home. You do not need a certain credit score. You do not need to install anything. If you have an active BGE account, you are eligible.
Already enrolled somewhere? Compare your current plan to available options → Switching is allowed and sometimes worth the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my landlord block me from enrolling in community solar?
A: No. Community solar is a utility program. Your subscription is tied to your BGE account, not your apartment or lease. Your landlord has no involvement and no ability to cancel or block your enrollment.
Q: What happens if I move?
A: Most community solar subscriptions are transferable. You can transfer your subscription to your new address if it's still in BGE territory, or cancel with 30–90 days' notice depending on your plan. SunFunnel prioritizes plans with flexible exit terms.
Q: Is there any upfront cost?
A: No. There is no installation cost, no deposit, and no equipment to buy. You pay your BGE bill as normal — the community solar credit simply reduces what you owe each month.
Q: How much can I actually save?
A: The typical BGE household saves $150–$400 per year. Savings depend on your monthly usage, the discount rate of your plan, and how BGE's retail rate changes over time. Use the savings calculator for a personalized estimate based on your ZIP and bill amount.
Q: Is community solar the same as the Maryland RELIEF Act?
A: No — they're separate programs. The Maryland RELIEF Act is legislation moving through the General Assembly to reduce surcharges on utility bills statewide. Community solar is an active program you can enroll in today, regardless of whether the RELIEF Act passes. They can both benefit you.
Ready to see your savings? Run your free BGE savings estimate → Takes two minutes, no commitment required.
Related Reading
- BGE Raised Rates Again in 2026 — Here’s How Maryland Homeowners Are Pushing Back
- Maryland Is Fighting Back Against BGE — But Relief Hasn’t Arrived Yet. Here’s How to Lock In Savings Now
- Ameren Illinois rates are rising — and they're just getting started. Here's how to opt out.
- What Is Community Solar? How It Works (Plain-English Guide)
StarShine LLC helps Maryland renters and homeowners access community solar savings. Questions? Reach us at sunfunnel@polsia.app.