Decarbonizing Public Schools Program

Maryland public school districts can access approximately $36 million in grant funding to install solar systems, upgrade energy efficiency, and build capacity for energy management across K-12 facilities. Districts should contact the Maryland Energy Administration at schools.mea@maryland.gov to learn about the four areas of focus—energy management capacity building, efficiency upgrades, solar installations, and net zero energy design—and determine which funding tracks match their school's needs.

Solar and energy efficiency contractors working with Maryland school districts should note that LEAs (Local Education Agencies) are eligible to apply for competitive and formula-based grants covering solar installations and efficiency upgrades as part of a broader portfolio strategy. Contractors can support district applications by providing technical specifications and project costs, since applicants may seek funding for individual schools, facility subsets, or entire districts depending on project scope.

The FY2026 Decarbonizing Public Schools Program distributes $36 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, Climate Action Plan, and Alternative Compliance Program across four areas of interest: energy management capacity building, energy efficiency, solar installations, and net zero energy school design. Applications are evaluated on a formula and competitive basis with consideration of need; the application deadline was November 21, 2025, and the program is administered jointly by the Maryland Energy Administration and the Interagency Commission on School Construction, targeting Local Education Agencies (school districts) statewide.