March 28, 2010
Grants available for solar energy systems
For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News
— CUMBERLAND — An incentive program for installing mid-sized solar energy systems has up to $1.45 million available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Maryland Energy Administration has announced.
This two-year program will can help 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.
“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,” said MEA Director Malcolm Woolf. “The mid-sized incentive program, combined with the federal investment tax credit of 30 percent, is designed to help lower the up-front cost of these renewable energy systems so that businesses can continue to invest in clean renewable energy despite the difficult economy.”
The incentive program covers two technologies — solar photovoltaic, which converts light into electricity, and solar water heating, which converts light into heat energy to supplement natural gas or electric water heating. Through the MEA grant program, Marylanders 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 percent of the system cost for a solar hot water system up to $25,000 per grant at this time.
“Maryland’s mid-sized solar grant program is a true win for local businesses and workers,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “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.”
For additional information, visit the Web site http://www.energy.state.md.us/incentives/business/MidSizedSolarGrants.asp
Earlier this year, the O’Malley- Brown administration launched the Maryland Green Registry, a voluntary, self-certification program that offers tips and resources to help organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. For additional information, make a visit to http://www.mde.maryland.gov/MarylandGreen
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