Maryland Solar Programs
Grants and tax incentives help costs
by Trinay Blake
American University Interactive Journalism Program
Fall 2007
Photo by Trinay Blake
Eight, 125 watt photovoltaic panels
on the south facing roof of the
Reed home in Rockville, Md.
ROCKVILLIE, MD.–Renewable forms of energy and its products are helping area homeowners, and businesses defray rising energy costs. Some of these products include photovoltaic panels or PV for short and solar water heating systems.”We have seen significant growth in the number of Maryland citizens deciding that the time is right to make use of clean, renewable resources such as solar energy,” said Tim LaRonde of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA).
Solar system installations can be costly; however, state and federal grants as well as state residential tax incentives are available.
Photo by Trinay Blake
Energy from the photovoltaic (PV)
panels in inverted from direct current
(DC) to alternate current (AC) using
the Xantrex inverter.
After moving to their home in Rockville, Clark and Colleen Reed began the process of making their home solar efficient. When this was complete, they installed eight PV panels on their roof at a cost of $9,200.The Reeds qualified for a grant from the MEA and they took advantage of the 15 percent state tax credit, thereby reducing their total installation cost to $4,500. Clark said, “The things that really helped make it affordable for us were some grants from the Maryland Energy Administration.”The current incentives under the MEA solar program provide for 20 percent of total installation costs for the following:
• Solar water heating applicants receive $2,000
• residential photovoltaic applicants receive $3,000
• non-residential photovoltaic applicant receive $5,000
Each property must meet certain criteria to qualify. Homeowners and business must submit supporting documentation as well as agree to a site assessment. Clark said, “Once it’s been installed and it’s been signed off, they will give you a check. It’s just good to help defer the total cost of the solar panel.”
Maryland is poised to become one of the largest markets for solar energy. By the year 2022, electricity generated from solar energy will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide.
Several federal grants are available for solar energy systems.
Chart provided by Clark and Colleen Reed
Chart provided by Clark and Colleen Reed
Listen to the audio story
Useful Links:
American Solar Energy Society
U.S. Department of Energy
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency