
Earlier this summer, Howard County completed a 217 kW DC Solar PV system at the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant.
The photovoltaic system comprises two roof mounts (42.5 kW on the Disinfection Building and 47.2kW on the Administration Building) and two carport structures (127.4 kW). The project is part of the County’s electrical protection system upgrade to safeguard the Water Reclamation Plant from electrical outages, such as the one that occurred during tropical storm Sandy. Since late May 2014 we have generated 66,181 kWh. It is estimated that the solar panels will result in a yearly power cost savings of $22,900.
Homeowners also have more opportunities to go solar than ever before. Solar energy options in Maryland are available everywhere in the State and there are a lot of incentives that makes it more attractive than ever. You will be reducing your energy costs as well as contributing to the State’s renewable energy goals. Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that 20 percent of Maryland’s Electricity be generated from renewable energy sources by 2022, including 2 percent from solar energy.
There are many advantages to residential solar power:
- Save on your electricity bills
- Increase your home value
- Take advantage of incentives
- Help to decrease your carbon footprint
- Help to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy
Here is a list of some of the financial incentives available for Maryland residents:
Federal
The Federal government is offering the investment Tax Credit – a taxpayer may claim a credit of up to 30% of the cost for a system
More info at http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&re=0&ee=0
State
The State of Maryland offers a Clean Energy Production Tax Credit for electricity generated from solar and other clean energy sources.
More info at: http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/CleanEnergyTaxCredit.html
Residential Clean Energy Grant Program:
Funding for residential solar systems up to 20kW
More info at:
http://energy.maryland.gov/Residential/cleanenergygrants/index.html#goals
So why not take advantage of a powerful yet free energy source….the Sun. Live Green and get Solar!
Yeimary Santos September 2014