Go Solar
Find out how our free & low-cost programs can help you benefit from solar
Go Solar
Civic Works helps residents install solar systems on their homes. Our rooftop solar and community solar programs make solar affordable for all Maryland residents and our free Baltimore Shines program serves income-qualified Baltimore City residents.
What can solar do for you?
- Lower your Utility Bill: Save up to 100% or more on your monthly electric bill
- Increase Home Value: Homes with solar increase their home value by 4%
Learn more about our solar programs below and reach out to a Civic Works Energy Advisor to get started.
Baltimore Shines
Baltimore Shines is a collaborative program between Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development and Civic Works. Together, we provide free rooftop solar PV installations for low- and moderate-income Baltimore City residents and create family-sustaining careers through job training and job placement opportunities.
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To qualify for Baltimore Shines, applicants must reside in Baltimore City, own their home, and have a total household income that does not exceed the following:
- 1 person: $26,338
- 2 people: $35,770
- 3 people: $45,185
- 4 people: $54,600
- 5 people: $64,015
- 6 people: $73,430
- 7 people: $82,845
- 8 people: $92,260
If you don’t qualify for Baltimore Shines, we encourage you to apply for affordable solar through our Solar Co-ops or Community Solar programs.
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1. Meet an Energy Advisor
Your Energy Advisor will guide you through the process.
2. Assess the Roof
Civic Works will assess your roof to verify any shading, the size and shape, and its orientation towards or away from the path of the sun.
3. Income Qualification
4. Energy Audit
5. Prepaid Lease and Solar Proposal
If your home is a good fit for solar, Civic Works will provide and review the prepaid lease and proposal with you.
6. Meet the Contractor
7. Begin the Permitting Process
Your Solar Contractor will apply for the necessary permits and interconnection.
8. Install & Commission Solar
Once all permits and interconnection are approved, your Solar Contractor will install and test the solar system and apply for Permission to Operate from your utility company.
9. Turn On Solar
Once approved, the solar system is turned on and you will immediately begin saving money and producing clean energy.
11. Receive Operation & Maintenance Service
Civic Works provides 20 years of operation and maintenance service if any issues arise with your system.
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Complete the energy services application and a Civic Works Energy Advisor will assist you in starting the process!
Solar Co-op
When you join our solar co-op, you’re getting a cheaper rate and faster service so that you can start enjoying the savings of solar and generating clean energy. In a solar co-op Civic Works has pre-negotiated the terms of a rooftop solar packaged deal with local solar contractors. Everything has already been negotiated regarding pricing, equipment, warranty, and monitoring service among other areas.
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- Maryland Resident (Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Harford County)
- Homeowner
- Non-slate roof on home
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1. Meet Your Energy Advisor & Solar Contractor
Your Energy Advisor will guide you through the process and introduce you to a Solar Contractor that will complete the work on your home.
2. Assess Your Roof
Your Solar Contractor will assess your roof to verify any shading, the size and shape, and its orientation towards or away from the path of the sun.
3. Review & Sign Sales Proposal
If your home is a good fit for solar, your Solar Contractor will provide and review the sales proposal with you. The signed sales proposal becomes a contract between you and the Solar Contractor.
4. Begin Permitting Process
Your Solar Contractor will apply for the necessary permits and interconnection.
5. Install & Commission Solar
Once all permits and interconnection are approved, your Solar Contractor will install and test the solar system and apply for Permission to Operate from your utility company.
6. Turn On Solar
Once approved, the solar system is turned on and you will immediately begin saving money and producing clean energy.
7. Receive Operation & Maintenance Service
Your Solar Contractor provides operation and maintenance service if any issues arise with your system for the number of years agreed upon in your signed contract.
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Complete the energy services application and a Civic Works Energy Advisor will assist you in starting the process!
Community Solar
If you don’t qualify for a Solar Co-Op or Baltimore Shines, you can still take advantage of the benefits of solar energy. We are proud to partner with Neighborhood Sun to offer affordable community solar. It doesn’t matter if you rent, lease, or own your home – anyone with an electricity bill from a major utility across our service territory can take advantage of community solar.
