Solar Energy - Distributed Generation Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, Ground-Mounted Solar, and Small Solar Siting Workgroup

HB 827 establishes a new "distributed generation certificate of public convenience and necessity" required for constructing small-scale solar projects (like rooftop or ground-mounted systems under 20 MW). It directly affects solar developers, local governments, and utility regulators by requiring this permit before construction begins and prohibiting counties from using zoning laws to block ground-mounted solar installations. The bill also creates a Small Solar Siting Workgroup to develop statewide model policies and best practices for solar facility siting. These changes aim to streamline solar development while supporting Maryland's renewable energy goals, without altering existing permitting for larger power plants.