Solar power in Maryland

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File:FEMA - 13131 - Photograph by Bill Koplitz taken on 06-02-2005 in Maryland.jpg
Solar panels

Solar power in Maryland is supported by the state's recent legislation regarding the Renewable Portfolio Standard and Solar Renewable Energy Credit program. The target for renewable energy as of 2012 is 20% by 2020, including 2% from solar power.[1]

According to the Maryland Energy Administration,[2] Maryland is exposed to approximately 5.3kWh per square meter of solar energy on a daily basis, and as of December 2013, the state had 158 MW installed.[3]

Incentives

Various tax credits are available for Maryland solar power system installations, as of July 2012. Property tax credits vary by county. The Maryland Energy Administration offers a $1000 grant for residential PV systems and $500 for solar hot water (solar thermal).[4][5] Commercial installations are granted $60/kW (max. 100 kW) for solar panels and $20/square foot (max. 250 square feet) for solar thermal systems.[6]

Net metering

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Main article: Net metering

Consumer net-metering and SRECs are available in the state of Maryland for owners of both solar PV systems and, as of the May 22, 2012 signing of S.B. 791, solar hot water systems. Solar hot water systems have a 5 SREC limit. The passage of H.B. 1187, also on May 22, 2012, accelerates the state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard with a target of 20% by 2020, of which 2% must be solar. Currently, there is no limit on the system size for a photovoltaic system.[1]

In the state of Maryland, one SREC is equal to one MWh of electricity production, and is redeemable for three years. As of 2012, an SREC is valued at $400, but is projected to decline to $50 by 2023 as the number of installations increases, and solar/renewable energy further saturates the electricity supply.[1] In addition, solar thermal that is installed for recreational purposes, such as heating a swimming pool, is not eligible for incentives.[1]

Legislation

Bill Date enacted Summary
S.B. 791/H.B. 1187 May 22, 2012 Accelerated renewable energy goals by 2 years.[7]
H.B. 258 April 10, 2012 Changed minimum 15-year contract for SREC sale between solar generator and energy supplier to apply to generators greater than 10 kW only.[1]
S.B. 717 May 19, 2011 Solar thermal systems installed after June 1, 2011 eligible for SREC generation.[5]

Economic impact

Maryland's goals for the Renewable Portfolio Standard have led to various monetary incentives, and have led to the expansion of local companies offering solar panel installation and services.[8] Additionally, Governor Martin O'Malley stated that he aims to add 100,000 local green jobs by 2015.[3] Solar companies in the state employ 1,900 people in 120 businesses, the largest of which is Astrum Solar.[9]

Installed capacity

Source: NREL[10]
Grid-Connected PV Capacity (MW)[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]
Year Capacity Installed % Change
2007 0.9 0.3 50%
2008 2.8 1.9 211%
2009 7.5 4.7 168%
2010 12.8 5.3 71%
2011 37.1 24.3 190%
2012 116.8 79.7 215%
2013 175.4 58.7 50%
2014 205 30 17%
2015 349 144 70%

References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Maryland Energy Administration
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Solar Power World
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  19. ↑ Maryland Solar
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