Care for the environment is an essential component of Montgomery Planning’s mission and integral to Thrive Montgomery 2050, Montgomery County’s new General Plan. Solar is a clean, renewable source of energy that aligns with Thrive’s commitment to protecting our ecosystems and to building a more resilient, sustainable future by reducing our community’s reliance on fossil fuels that lead to pollution and climate change. By implementing thoughtful, comprehensive solar energy systems, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower utility bills, and stabilize the utility grid.
The State of Maryland is committed to solar energy and offers numerous incentives to encourage residents to make the switch from other forms of energy to comprehensive solar production, including tax exemptions and energy credits that can be put toward the public marketplace.
Community solar has been available in Maryland since 2015 with the establishment of the Community Solar Pilot Program. The Maryland General Assembly passed H.B 908 in its 2023 legislative session. This measure directs a permanent community solar program to be made available in January 2025. This legislation expands the state’s community solar potential and continues to guarantee community solar capacity for Maryland’s overburdened, underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities. For more information, visit the Maryland Public Service Commission’s Community Solar page.
The Intersection of Solar and Montgomery Planning
The implementation of solar energy in Montgomery County is a collaborative effort involving multiple entities, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. In alignment with Montgomery Planning’s role as lead agency for regulatory applications and the Forest Conservation Law, Montgomery Planning reviews applications for Solar Collection Systems for Planning Board public hearings and decisions. In response to changes in State legislation and when otherwise appropriate, Montgomery Planning makes recommendations to the Planning Board and County Council regarding improvements to the zoning regulations and process for solar applications in Montgomery County.
When the State Public Service Commission (PSC) has jurisdiction over review of a solar application, the Planning Board review of the location, construction, or authorization of a publicly or privately owned utility is through the Mandatory Referral process set forth in the Land Use Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Section 20-301 et. seq. Montgomery Planning is excited to contribute to environmental resiliency and sustainability through renewable energy production in Maryland and the region. To contribute to that goal, Montgomery Planning has proactively identified various forms and contexts for solar potential throughout all of Montgomery County. View the online dashboard for more information and potential solar siting in Montgomery County.
Solar and the Agricultural Reserve
The Montgomery County Council approved a zoning text amendment (ZTA 20-01) to expand the opportunities for solar power with the intention of supporting solar as a viable renewable energy source while continuing to promote and preserve agriculture as the primary use and industry within the Agricultural Reserve. The ZTA revised the Solar Collection System use standards and process to allow larger facilities in the Agricultural Reserve (AR) zone as a Conditional Use, while limiting the total amount of collection systems on all properties in the AR zone to 1,800 acres, equating to approximately 2% of agriculturally zoned land in the County.
Solar Panels at Historic Sites
In 2017, the County Council adopted an Emergency Climate Mobilization resolution which declared a climate emergency and accelerated our community-wide climate goals to be carbon neutral by 2035.
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is committed to safeguarding our heritage and protecting our environmental resources. In response to the Council’s resolution, the HPC adopted new policy guidance and developed visual design guidelines to provide a framework for the expanded installation of solar technology in Master Plan Historic Sites and Historic Districts.
Frequently asked questions
Solar Collection Systems are a Conditional Use in the AR zone but are otherwise considered a Limited Use in every other zone in Montgomery County. View the online dashboard for more information and potential solar siting in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County does not allow solar projects in environmentally sensitive areas and on our most productive agricultural soils in the AR zone – USDA Class I and II soils.
The three most common construction types of solar projects are: ground-mounted; over parking lots; and on rooftops of buildings.
Visit the webpage for the Montgomery County Office of Energy and Sustainability or MyGreenMontgomery.org to get information on solar installation options in your community.