The City of Baltimore and the Office of Sustainability are excited to introduce the Baltimore Energy Challenge 2.0! Started Spring 2026, the Baltimore Energy Challenge 2.0 is a collection of City, State, non-profit, and private sector discounts and opportunities for residents to improve their home efficiency and lower their power bill.
To kick off this new energy initiative, the City of Baltimore is working with Switch Together, a group buying program for solar energy installations. The Switch Together program gives Baltimore residents a streamlined way to install rooftop solar, battery storage, and EV charger add-ons at a discounted price. In addition to competitive pricing for solar installations, there are many opportunities for residents, both homeowners and renters, to save on their power bill without installing solar systems.
Why Join?
| Free to register: | There is no obligation to accept your offer. |
| Group discount: | Set pricing is negotiated through an auction among qualified installers. |
| Additional savings: | Participants can save thousands on a typical solar installation. |
| Fully refundable deposit: | Your offer is secured with a $150 deposit and is fully refundable if you choose not to proceed. |
| Learn before you decide: | Make use of free webinars, in-person sessions, and online resources to learn how going solar works, and what incentives may be available to you. |
How Does Switch Together Solar Installation Work?
- Register: Sign up for free at SwitchTogether.com/Solar/Baltimore. You will not receive any sales calls, and your information will not be shared with third parties.
- Auction: Vetted installers compete in a bidding process. The most competitive bids for high-quality installations determine the final group discount.
- Personal offer: Upon registering, you will receive a personal offer based on your registration details. This offer will include your estimated costs, group savings, and information about the selected installer for your neighborhood.
- You decide: You have until June 3, 2026 to decide if you want to accept the offer. There is no obligation to accept.
- Installation: If you accept, the winning contractor will contact you to schedule an initial consultation. If your home is found to be unsuitable for solar, the installation will be cancelled, and your deposit will be refunded.
Learn more and register today at SwitchTogether.com/Solar/Baltimore.
More Ways to Save
Baltimore City Incentives
Baltimore City provides a handful of ways for property owners and renters to save on their electricity bill and make their homes more efficient. From tax credits to free rooftop solar installations, there are many options for Baltimore residents to improve their home’s efficiency and comfort.
| Energy Conservation Rebates for Property Tax | Baltimore City property owners can apply for tax credits for the purchase or lease of solar or geothermal energy devices. |
| Weatherization Assistance Program | Helps low-income households with reducing energy costs by installing energy conservation materials and products which lower utility bills and maintain a safer, more comfortable home. |
| Baltimore SHINES | A program of the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development and Civic Works. Provides free rooftop solar PV installations for low- and moderate-income Baltimore City residents. |
Maryland State Initiatives
Qualifying Maryland residents can receive assistance with paying their electricity bills through the Office of Home Energy Programs. In addition, eligible BGE customers can receive free energy audits to discover the most effective way to reduce energy usage and monthly bills.
| Maryland Solar Access Program | Provides grants to help Maryland residents realize the benefits of solar systems for their homes. MSAP was established through the Maryland General Assembly’s passage of the Brighter Tomorrow Act. |
| Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program | Income eligible BGE customers can receive audits that prioritize the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs while increasing comfort. |
| Maryland Energy Assistance Program | The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides bill assistance to low-income households in Maryland to make their energy costs more affordable and restore a home’s energy service. |
Non-profit Organizations
Many non-profit organizations in Baltimore are working to improve weatherization and efficiency in low-income households. Qualifying residents can get free home energy checkups, improved HVAC and insulation, as well as support with lead and other hazardous material testing and reduction.
| Civic Works | Free Energy Consulting; Quick Home Energy Checkups; Free Rooftop Solar (income-qualified). |
| Green & Healthy Homes Initiative | Home health, safety, & efficiency support; lead hazard reduction & tenant legal services; Weatherization and insulation. |
| Free Energy Upgrades | Get free efficient HVAC & insulation for low-income households with oil, gas, or propane heating with Sustain Our Future’s state-funded program. |
Private Sector Opportunities
Community solar is a growing movement of residents choosing to receive their electricity from local solar farms as opposed to the traditional power plants. These residents are offered discounts and can receive rebates and free or discounted home energy checkups through EmPOWER Maryland.
| Neighborhood Sun | Allows rate payers to subscribe to community solar and lock in at least 10% lower electricity rate. |
| Maryland Community Solar | Educates consumers and businesses about the benefits of community solar programs and helps them enroll in the program that’s right for them. |
| EmPOWER Maryland | Offers residential utility customers opportunities to save money on their bills through product rebates and upgrades; free or discounted home efficiency checkups and repairs; and energy usage alerts to help customers save money. |