Solar energy has been a part of the Maryland energy plan for almost a decade. Solar is not new for Maryland but they are continuing to update and strive for new goals. Maryland has many different incentives, tax credits, and goals for both commercial and residential solar.

In 2017 the Maryland Community Solar pilot program was created to enable Marylanders access to solar energy, no matter where they live. Maryland citizens can subscribe to large solar projects and get the benefits of virtual net metering, which is like having solar panels on each home’s roofs! The Clean and Renewable Energy Standard (CARES) plan will deliver 100 percent clean electricity by 2040, building upon Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and increasing the strategic use of zero- and low-carbon clean and renewable energy sources. 

In addition, the program will assist in meeting Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/renewable-energy/) and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act goals.

How Maryland Community Solar works

It is easy to sign up and there is no additional out-of-pocket expense. Your solar energy will be delivered to you through your normal electric utility provider and there is no investment, upfront fees, and installation needed on your property. Community solar customers are expected to see savings on their electric bills.

How to participate in Maryland Community Solar

Community SolarRight now, with more and more homeowners working and going to school at home, it is a strain on the electric bill. By subscribing to a community solar project, you can tap into a local, solar farm and together with hundreds of other residents, enjoy the same benefits as if you had solar panels installed on your home.

In order to participate in Community Solar in Maryland, you need to locate a solar farm near your residence or business. Once you find out if there is one nearby, you can find out if you qualify. 

Residential Community Solar in Maryland

The Maryland Residential Community Solar program allows Maryland residents to purchase subscriptions for energy from community solar arrays, gaining the same economic advantages as having solar modules directly on their residences.  Additionally, the Residential Community Solar Grant Program was developed. The program provides a monetary incentive for Maryland residents who wish to purchase (own) the energy benefits of the array. Subscriptions must be to a community solar array within the subscriber’s electric utility service area. A grant will not exceed 100% of the resident’s annual energy use (with a maximum subscription size of 20 kW).

Maryland will also give you a few tax breaks so you do not have to worry about your tax bills going up as a result of going solar. Thanks to the Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems, you will not have to pay any extra taxes on the increased value of your home when you go solar in Maryland.

Maryland has set a renewable portfolio standard goal to produce 2.5 percent of its electricity from solar resources in 2020, and you can get paid to help.

Commercial Community Solar in Maryland

The Maryland Commercial Community Solar program allows Maryland businesses to purchase subscriptions for energy from community solar arrays, gaining the same economic advantages as having solar modules directly on the roofs of their businesses. In support of this program, the Maryland Energy Administration developed the Commercial Community Solar Grant Program. The program provides a monetary incentive for Maryland businesses that wish to purchase (own) the energy benefits of the array. Subscriptions must be to a community solar array within the subscriber’s electric utility service area.

Summary 

With 19 states and D.C. having recognized the benefits of shared renewables by encouraging their growth through policy and programs, Community Solar is growing. Maryland is looking to reach its goal of running 100% of its power from renewable energy resources and now is the time for you to find out if you can take advantage of Community Solar. Contact Solar On Earth or search for a local solar farm today.