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Read. Follow. Verify.Maryland Senate Bill 265 Removes Capacity Limits for Community Solar Systems on Adjacent Parcels
Last action · February 9, 2026: Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsor: Ben Brooks
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What This Bill Would Do
Maryland Senate Bill 265 repeals restrictions that prohibit locating a on an adjacent parcel of land when the combined installed capacity of all systems on those parcels exceeds 5 megawatts. The measure takes effect October 1, 2026.
Developers and landowners gain flexibility to site multiple community solar installations near one another without running afoul of prior cumulative capacity caps, provided certain specific location and subscriber criteria are met.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
community solar energy generating system developers
Developers face modified siting rules regarding the placement of community solar installations on adjacent parcels.
landowners
Property owners have altered restrictions regarding whether community solar installations can be placed on parcels adjacent to existing or proposed systems.
Key Facts
- Senate Bill 265 repeals prohibitions preventing community solar energy generating systems from being located on adjacent parcels if total combined capacity exceeds 5 megawatts.
- The bill amends Section 7-306.2(d)(13) of the Public Utilities Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
- The measure takes effect on October 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Senate Bill 265 change about community solar projects?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently filed. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 9, 2026SenateHearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 19, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Sources
mgaleg.maryland.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy25Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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