Maryland boosts funding for mid-sized solar systems; grants of up to $50,000 available

(From the Maryland Energy Administration) The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) on March 26 announced the update of a new incentive program for mid-sized solar energy systems – from 20 to 100 kilowatts – made possible through funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This two year program will provide a total of up to $1.45 million to lower the cost of rooftop solar energy systems for commercial buildings, allowing more Maryland businesses to receive the benefits of clean renewable energy from the sun.

“Maryland’s mid-sized solar grant program is a true ‘win’ for local businesses and workers. By taking advantage of this new resource, not only will businesses see a reduction in energy usage and operational costs in the long term, but they will also become a part of a Maryland that is Smart, Green and Growing, by taking this step to reduce their carbon footprint,” commented Governor Martin O’Malley. “I encourage local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The incentive program covers both solar photovoltaic energy and solar water heating. Both of these technologies have reached a level of technology maturity and reliability that makes them great long-term investments for commercial buildings. Through the Maryland Energy Administration’s grant program, Marylanders now can qualify for a rebate of $500 per kilowatt of photovoltaic capacity installed for systems between 20 and 100 KW, up to $50,000 per grant, and 15% of the system cost for a solar hot water system up to $25,000 per grant at this time.

“The challenge for many businesses is that the costs for solar energy systems are all up-front, while the benefits accrue over many years of use,” noted MEA Director Malcolm Woolf. “The mid-sized incentive program, combined with the federal investment tax credit of 30%, is designed to help lower the upfront cost of these renewable energy systems so that businesses can continue to invest in clean renewable energy despite the difficult economy. We are thrilled to be able to serve the business community with this much-needed clean energy program.”

For more information on the mid-sized renewable grant program and application instructions, please go to http://www.energy.state.md.us/incentives/business/MidSizedSolarGrants.asp
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Ross Tyler, director of clean energy at the Maryland Energy Administration, will tell Solar and Wind Expo attendees all about Maryland’s renewable energy programs on Friday, May 7, at noon. The Solar and Wind Expo takes place at the Timonium Fairgrounds May 7-9.

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