Some solar plants leave for Asia – but still good conditions for solar buyers, sellers and installers in Maryland, U.S., Baltimore Sun writer says

The recent closing of BP Solar’s Maryland plant in Frederick– for years a prominent sight for travelers along Interstate 70 – may seem like a bad sign for the future of solar energy in Maryland and elsewhere, but there are “two silver linings” to the plant’s shutting, said Baltimore Sun columnist Jay Hancock in his March 31 piece.

First, the availability of cheaper solar equipment manufactured overseas combined with federal, state and local tax incentives is making it more feasible for homes and businesses to install solar and save substantial sums in the long run with clean energy. Second, the availability of cheaper solar products means there is “a thriving economy of selling and installing solar power in Maryland and across the country,” Hancock says.

And, he adds, Maryland’s “solar-friendly” policies, put in place with BP Solar’s support, will benefit the state even with the plant no longer here – and even with the federal government slow to enact carbon-capping legislation that might have saved the factory. “The solar economy… is here to stay, no matter what happens in Frederick or Washington,” Hancock declares.

Many of these solar sellers and installers that are blooming like so many sunflowers will be exhibiting at The Solar and Wind Expo at the Timonium Fairgrounds May 7-9. You can come out to see all the hardware and learn about solar – as well as wind and geothermal power and electric vehicles – from the experts at the Expo.

To see Hancock’s column, go to http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-03-31/business/bal-bz.hancock31mar31_1_solar-industry-solar-business-solar-cells.

make green a reality!

http://www.thesolarandwindexpo.com/