Maryland's Coastal Advantage: Why Solar + Storage Makes Sense in the Mid-Atlantic

Unique in the realm of renewable energy, Maryland is strategically positioned along the Mid-Atlantic coast. It represents a point of great opportunity and increased urgency, with the state being both a high-demand energy hub and one that has been cast among those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The state is faced with a number of daunting grid reliability challenges, from powerful coastal storms to tidal flooding and rising sea levels, which make solar and battery storage not just beneficial but also essential.

Tapping into the Energy of the Coast

The Chesapeake Bay and Maryland's long coastline shape not only its culture and economy but also its energy needs. The entire region is characterized by dense settlement patterns, critical infrastructure, and economic dependency on coastal industries; hence, a resilient and flexible energy system is an important demand. According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, already a foot of sea-level rise has occurred in the state since 1900, while projections show an additional 1 to 3 feet by mid-century at current emission levels.

In this context, solar + storage solutions are essential to strengthening grid stability and supporting local resilience. Solar panels produce clean and low-cost electricity during the day, while BESS captures that energy for storage, to be utilized during nighttime or in emergencies. When coastal storms or hurricanes hit—often knocking out power for hours or days—these systems keep essential services running and reduce strain on traditional utilities.

Policy Momentum and Market Growth

Under the newly minted Climate Solutions Now Act and the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 goal, Maryland's leadership in renewable energy has continued to accelerate. In 2025, the state reaffirmed its commitment to expanding distributed energy resources, including incentives for battery storage through the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program, a $2 million program designed to make storage more affordable for homes and businesses.

Besides, the Maryland Public Service Commission and Maryland Energy Administration have streamlined the permitting processes for solar-plus-storage projects, enabling faster deployment throughout the Mid-Atlantic. With all of this on hand, along with tax credits through the IRA of up to 50% in total for projects meeting domestic manufacturing or low-income siting criteria, Maryland has emerged as one of the leading destinations for renewable project development across the United States.

A Booming Market for Developers

For developers, Maryland's coastal geography offers a dual advantage: high energy demand and strong state-level support. The proximity to major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., serves to create a rich consumer base, while growing concerns about grid resilience are making solar + storage projects increasingly attractive both to utilities and commercial clients.

The Maryland Clean Energy Center estimates that clean energy investments could bring tens of thousands of jobs and billions in private capital to the state by 2035. Developers are also repurposing underutilized coastal and brownfield sites to host solar arrays paired with battery storage, converting once-flood-prone or contaminated areas into productive clean energy assets.

Opportunities for Property Owners

For landowners, Maryland's coastal clean energy boom presents a chance to diversify income and support local resilience. Leasing property for solar or solar + storage projects offers long-term, stable returns with minimal management responsibilities. Agricultural land, warehouse rooftops, and coastal tracts are in growing demand as developers seek strategically located sites close to transmission infrastructure.

Beyond the financial gain, property owners play a significant role in enhancing their communities' resiliency to the effects of climate. Hosting renewable projects can provide backup power for schools, hospitals, and emergency facilities, helping safeguard local residents during extreme weather events.

A Resilient and Renewable Future This puts Maryland at an advantage in driving the clean energy transformation in the Mid-Atlantic region. With the right mix of policy support, market opportunity, and environmental need, solar + storage becomes an intelligent investment in the future. With increasing energy demand and climate vulnerability, pairing solar with battery storage is more than an energy strategy: it's a resilience strategy. With everyone playing their part, developers, landowners, and organizations like Telkes can help Maryland turn its coastal challenges into a powerful force for sustainable progress.

Telkes: Converting Potential into Progress

At Telkes, we specialize in bridging the gap between property owners, developers, and investors to make clean energy development seamless and successful. Our team is at the forefront of identifying ideal land opportunities for solar and storage projects, providing data-driven site assessments, and facilitating partnerships that align community goals with financial returns.

Are you a landowner or an industrial roof owner? Join Telkes in leading the green energy revolution! Let us help you turn your property into a sustainable energy solution that benefits the planet. Visit Telkes today and discover how you can contribute to a cleaner future while maximizing your property's potential. Together, we can power a brighter, greener world!