FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program Application Portal

FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program Application Portal
Welcome! This portal is provided by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), an executive Maryland state agency, for applicants to the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commercial and Canopy Solar Program. All applicants across both Areas of Interest (AOIs) are required to use the online portal. Please read all instructions carefully and ensure that you have provided all requested information and documentation. Failure to provide all required information or documentation will result in the rejection of your application from consideration. MEA will be accepting applications for this program until 3:00 P.M. ET, February 11, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact the MEA Commercial and Canopy Solar Program Manager by sending an email to Commercial.Solar@Maryland.gov.
Section 1 - Application Type
Area of Interest*

Area of Interest 1: Equitable Solar Access for OrganizationsArea of Interest 2: Commercial Solar for Sustainability
Eligible Applicants Under Area of Interest 1

LMI-serving non-profitCertified Small Business Enterprise (SBE)Veteran-Owned Business
System Ownership Type*

Direct Ownership (Site Owner / Operator)Third Party Ownership (Solar Lease / PPA)
Eligible Facility Owner*
Eligible Facility Longterm Lessee (if applicable)
Anticipated Solar Installation Company*
Solar System Owner (if same or if different)*
Section 2 - Applicant Information

The following section submit information about the entity applying to receive grant funding. The applicant must be the intended owner of the solar system. For payment processing purposes, please enter all applicable information exactly as it appears on the applicant's IRS Form W9.
Applicant Name*
Please enter the name of the applicant exactly how it appears on their IRS Form W9. The CCSP grant Applicant must be the owner of the solar system.
Applicant Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Applicant IRS Form W9*

Please upload a copy of the most current, complete, and signed IRS Form W9 for the applicant.
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Applicant EIN*
A blank copy of the IRS Form W9 and instructions on how to complete it can be found on the IRS Form W9 webpage.
Section 3 - Relevant Contacts

Please provide information relevant to the authorized representative, the point of contact, and any legal counsel.
Applicant Authorized Representative Full Name*
This is the individual with the signatory authority to apply on behalf of the applicant, and to enter into a grant agreement with MEA if the application is approved for a grant.
Applicant Authorized Representative Title*
Applicant Authorized Representative Email*
example@example.com
Applicant Authorized Representative Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Applicant Point of Contact Full Name*
The person tasked with day to day oversight of grant application and administration.
Applicant Point of Contact Title*
Applicant Point of Contact Email*
example@example.com
Applicant Point of Contact Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Does the Applicant have Legal Counsel?*

YesNo
Applicant Legal Counsel Full Name
Applicant Legal Counsel Title
Applicant Legal Counsel Email
example@example.com
Applicant Legal Counsel Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.

Section 6 - Required Supporting Documents

Please upload all requested supporting documents. Failure to upload a required supporting document may result in rejection of the application. Applicants whose applications are rejected for this reason are free to reapply. An application's place in the review queue is only reserved once all required documents have been received.
AOI 1 Evidence of Applicant Status (Proof of Eligibility for AOI1)

You indicated that this is an AOI 1 project. Please provide documentation that certifies that the proposed project site meets the eligibility requirements for AOI 1 as specified in the "Required Application Documents" section of the FOA. Acceptable documentation includes: Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification; A screenshot of the MDOT OMBE Directory of Certified Firms that demonstrates that the business on the proposed project site has a pending application to be designated as a SBE; documentation demonstrating that the owners received an honorable discharge, or a disability discharge from the U.S. Military (e.g. DD 214, DD 13, DA 1569); OR A letter from the Internal Revenue Service attesting to the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status of the organization.
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Evidence of Facility Control (Project Site Maryland DAT Real Property or Property Deed) *

Please provide documentation demonstrating the property owner of the project site using either a) the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT) Real Property Data Search tool or b) Property Deed
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Please upload a copy of the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT) Real Property Data Search result (a PDF or a screenshot) for the project site (where the system will be installed). You can obtain a copy of this search information on DAT's website here.
Property Owner Permission Letter

You have indicated that the project site is not owned by the Applicant. Please upload the Property Owner's Permission Letter to document that you have permission to install the solar PV system at the project site. Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Announcement for information on what constitutes an acceptable Property Owner's Permission Letter.
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Good Standing Documentation (Applicant and Installer)*

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Please upload documentation that the Applicant, and any contractor that the Applicant works with to complete the project, is in Good Standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT). Acceptable documentation includes a PDF of the organization’s result from Maryland DAT’s Business Entity Search that indicates Good Standing, or a Certificate of Status from Maryland DAT that indicates Good Standing. Instructions on how to obtain a Certificate of Status are available on DAT’s website here.
Project Budget Workbook*

Please upload a completed copy of the Project Budget Workbook. A blank copy of the workbook is available on the MEA Program webpage.
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Facility Utility History*

Please upload the most recently available twelve (12) continuous months of electric utility consumption data for the project site listed in a table or spreadsheet in an easily-readable format, AND PDF copies of the corresponding utility bills. The data in the table or workbook must exactly match the information provided on the utility bills. Please combine utility bills into a single document.
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Project Map*

Please upload a site map exhibiting the location of the solar PV system on the property. Acceptable formats include screenshots or images from Google Earth, Google Maps, or similar widely-accepted online geographic information system with the proposed location of the solar PV system array indicated. Please notate the map to clearly demonstrate the location and orientation of the proposed system.
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Solar PV System Information*

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Solar Canopy EV-Ready System Information

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Please upload comprehensive information regarding the proposed solar PV project, which must include at minimum:
1. Size of the solar PV system in kilowatts of direct current (“kW-dc”);
2. Location of the solar PV system, including street address and specific location on the installation property;
3. Solar production estimate from a widely-accepted solar estimation program, such as PVWatts, PVsyst, or others, on a case-by-case basis;
4. A single-line diagram of the proposed solar PV system, inclusive of all wiring, communications, and other ancillary equipment necessary for the safe and successful installation of the solar PV system; and
5. A basic electrical schematic of the facility’s electrical system (a one-line diagram is acceptable) and where and how the solar PV system connects to it.
  
  If the proposed project is a solar canopy, please also include EV-Ready documentation described in Appendix A of the Funding Opportunity Announcement, which includes at minimum:
6. Electrical One-Line Diagram showing:
  - Reserved panel capacity for future EV loads.
  - Dedicated breaker space labeled “EV Ready.”
  - Conduit routing to parking spaces.
7. Site Plan showing the locations of at least four EV-Ready parking spaces.
8. Narrative Description confirming how the design meets IECC Appendix CG101.2.3 definition of “EV Ready.”, and estimated future EVSE capacity (e.g., 7.2 kW per charger).
Signed Solar Contract (System Purchase, Letter of Intent, Power Purchase Agreement, or Lease Agreement)*

Please upload a copy of an itemized and signed contract, or signed letter of intent, from the solar PV provider selected for the project, that must include, at minimum, the location and estimated nameplate capacity of the solar PV system.
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Multifamily Building Only - Complete Tenant Synopsis Form

Please submit a filled out copy of the Tenant Synopsis Form you will use to inform the tenants of the multifamily building that a solar PV system installation will take place. A copy of the template can be found on the program website.
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Application Authorization

If an installer or other third party is preparing this application on behalf of the Applicant (the ultimate recipient of the grant funding, and signatory of a potential Grant Agreement), please submit a letter of authority from the Applicant giving explicit permission to do so. The letter should be signed by the Applicant's Authorized Representative.
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Section 7 - Attestations, Acknowledgements, and Certifications
Veteran-Owned Business Attestation (Proof of Eligibility for AOI1): I certify that the entity submitting this application to the FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program is a business or organization that is registered to operate in the state of Maryland and is one of the following: A Veteran-Owned Business that is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are veterans

I acknowledge and agree.
General Attestations, Acknowledgements, and Certifications

By signing this application, I certify that the information provided on this application form and in each of the attached supporting documents required by the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is complete, accurate, and true, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief. I certify that I am authorized to sign this application and submit the application package on behalf of the Applicant, and I agree to the attestations, acknowledgements, and certifications listed below on behalf of the Applicant:
1. I affirm to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief that the entire contents of this application package meet all requirements of the respective FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Grant Program Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).
2. I understand and acknowledge that MEA accepts application packages and awards FY25 Commercial and Canopy Solar Grants on a noncompetitive basis, and that application packages are due to MEA no later than 3:00 P.M. ET, February 11, 2026.
3. I affirm that the project for which the grant funds have been requested will be located on a facility within the State of Maryland.
4. I understand and acknowledge that the use of any funds awarded under this grant program for projects designed to benefit one or more person(s) outside of the State of Maryland is strictly prohibited.
5. I understand that submission of this application package does not obligate MEA to award a grant under the grant program.
6. I understand that grant funds cannot be used to offset costs greater than five percent of the total project cost that are incurred by the Applicant or any contractor(s) or developer(s) prior to the execution of a Grant Agreement or Commitment Letter between the Applicant and MEA.
7. I understand and acknowledge that MEA reserves the right to determine the final award amount for each grant issued under the grant program, and that the amount of funds that have been requested in this application are not guaranteed.
8. I understand and acknowledge that MEA or its representative(s) may use photos and video footage of the Applicant’s facility (facilities), or the facility (facilities) under analysis if not owned by the Applicant subject to written agreement with MEA by the facility (facilities) owner, and data presented in the Applicant’s reports for marketing, publicity, and advertising purposes. MEA and its representatives, subject to the requirements of the Maryland Public Information Act, and other applicable laws, will not divulge any confidential information or trade secrets.
9. I understand and acknowledge that if the Applicant is selected for a grant award, the Applicant must provide MEA with a complete, current, and accurate IRS Form W9. All information about the Applicant provided on this application form must exactly match the information as it appears on the Applicant’s IRS Form W9.
10. I, the Authorized Representative for the Applicant, certify that: (1) the Federal Tax Identification Number or Employer Identification Number provided on this application form is the correct Federal Tax Identification Number or Employer Identification Number for the Applicant, or the Applicant is waiting for a number to be issued to them; and (2) the Applicant is not subject to backup withholding because:
  (a) the Applicant is exempt from backup withholding; or
  (b) the Applicant has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that it is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends; or
  (c) the IRS has notified the Applicant that it is no longer subject to backup withholding; and I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (as defined in IRS Form W9).
11. I understand and acknowledge that any Grant received through this program is taxable as income. Therefore, if a Grant is provided to the Applicant for this project, the State of Maryland will send a 1099-G form, which the applicant must report as income on its federal and state tax returns. For more information, the Applicant should contact a qualified tax professional.
12. I understand and acknowledge that if a Grant is provided for this project, MEA Representatives and MEA agents must have reasonable access to the relevant facility or facilities to conduct site inspections and measurement and verification activities, and to take photos or videos of the project, as deemed appropriate by MEA in consultation with the Grantee. If the relevant facility or facilities is (are) owned by (a) third party (parties), a written agreement between the Applicant and the facility (facilities) owner(s) is (are) required.
13. I understand and acknowledge that the FY25 Commercial and Canopy Solar Grant Program terms and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of MEA.
14. I understand and acknowledge that if MEA awards a grant to the Applicant, any grant payment will be contingent upon the successful MEA review and approval of the Grantee’s submissions, including but not limited to: progress reports and requests for reimbursement, including supporting documentation, etc.
15. I understand and acknowledge that the FY25 Commercial and Canopy Solar Grant Program funding is limited as outlined in the FOA.
By checking the box below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the above attestation.*

I acknowledge and agree.
Eligible Facility Attestation

I certify that the project site on which the solar PV system will be installed is one of the following Eligible Facilities described in the program Funding Opportunity Announcement:
- Multi-family dwellings:
  - The multi-family dwelling must be located in a low-to-moderate or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies”, AND
  - Tenant rent will not be increased solely based on the installation of the solar PV system for a period of two (2) years.
- LMI-serving 501(c)(3) Non-profit facilities (e.g. shelters, soup kitchens, job training centers, community centers, cultural centers, educational centers, children’s camps, volunteer firefighter department facilities, other social services, churches, synagogues, mosques, other faith-based organizations):
  - The energy bill savings must be realized by LMI-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits. These nonprofits must directly provide services to low-to-moderate income or overburdened communities, as defined in “Eligible
    Geographies”, AND
  - Any facility owned or long-term leased by these nonprofits are eligible, regardless of the use of the facility, AND
  - For an individual net metered facility, the facility must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community or more
    than 50% of the nonprofit’s beneficiaries must live in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies”. For aggregated net metering projects, all of the facilities must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community or more than 50% of the nonprofit’s beneficiaries must live in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies”.
- Hospitals (e.g. nonprofit hospitals, for profit hospitals) and other medical facilities (e.g. urgent cares, community clinics):
  - The energy bill savings must be realized by the provider of medical services, AND
  - Any facility owned or long-term leased by these medical providers are eligible, regardless of the use of the facility, AND
  - More than 50% of the patients must live in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies."
- Home Offices:
  - The energy bill savings must be realized by an owner who lives in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies."
- Owner-occupied agricultural businesses:
  - The farm must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies,” AND
  - Energy bill savings must be realized by an individual who lives in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies."
- Commercial properties occupied by retail businesses:
  - The property must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies," AND
  - The funded measures must agree to enable community resiliency during a power outage, severe weather, or other disruptions.
- Commercial properties occupied by business offices:
  - The property must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies," AND
  - The funded measures must agree to enable community resiliency during a power outage, severe weather, or other disruptions.
- Warehouses:
  - The warehouse must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined by “Eligible Geographies," AND
  - The funded measures must agree to enable community resiliency during a power outage, severe weather, or other disruptions.
- Hotels:
  - The property must be located in a low-to-moderate income or overburdened community, as defined in “Eligible Geographies," AND
  - The funded measures must agree to enable community resiliency during a power outage, severe weather, or other disruptions.
By checking the box below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the above attestation.*

I acknowledge and agree.
By checking the box below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to all attestations, acknowledgements, and certifications explained to me on the previous page*

I acknowledge and agree.
This is the individual with the signatory authority to enter into a grant agreement with MEA if the application is selected for a grant.
Applicant Signature*

Clear
Applicant Signatory Name*

First NameLast Name
Applicant Signatory Title*
Should be Empty:

FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program Application Portal

Section 1 - Application Type

Section 2 - Applicant Information

Section 3 - Relevant Contacts

Section 4 - Project Site Information

Section 5 - Solar PV System Information

Section 6 - Required Supporting Documents

Section 7 - Attestations, Acknowledgements, and Certifications