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MARYLAND SOLAR ENERGY NEWS SUN SHINES ON MARYLAND April 24, 2008 Contact: Peter Lowenthal, Group Director, Renewable Energy and Clean Technology Practice Group (202) 204-2179 peterlowenthal@360jmg.com Governor signs bill into law turning on the economic engine that will capture solar energy (Annapolis, MD) – It was a bright sunny day when Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law several bills that will put Maryland in the top five states for expanding solar energy markets. Solar Energy scored several major victories in Maryland with the support of Gov. O’Malley and our sponsoring champions, Del. Sue Hecht and Sen. Rob Garagiola. These important improvements will overcome the inertia that has been preventing a thriving marketplace for solar energy products and services in the state. For homeowners (House bill-377/Senate Bill-207) increases the maximum incentives for state grants for solar applications and broadens them to include geothermal heat pump technology up to $3,000 at $1,000 per ton of heating. The bill also addressed key tax issues that have been barriers to solar energy adoption. Funding incentive levels for solar water heating equipment - now also includes space heating and cooling technology - increases from 20% or $2,000 to 30% or $3,000, whichever is less, of installed cost. Solar electric (photovoltaic) installations will increase from 20% or $3,000 to $2,500 per KW of installed capacity not to exceed $10,000. Geothermal heat pumps will receive a $1,000 per ton credit, not to exceed $3,000. The bill’s tax provisions make the sale of solar systems exempt from sales or use tax - which is 6% of the material cost of solar hardware. Perhaps the most valuable provision for the long-term growth of the industry is that this bill exempts the owners from property taxes on the value of their solar technology. The owner of a solar system will not have to pay additional property tax on the value of the system, though their property value will increase. Last year MD signed on to the Regional Green House Gas Initiative (RGGI) and this year they determined how to spend the funding from the auction of the carbon credits. HB-368/SB268 was signed into law to establish guidelines for how funds will be distributed and managed. Estimated funding from the auction could yield $80 - $140 million. There is a 20% allocation to renewable energy and energy education in one line item, potentially totaling $16 - $28 million.
Home owners associations have often passed regulations prohibiting installations of solar modules and solar heating collectors. HB-117 sponsored by Del. Sue Hecht from Baltimore provides guidelines to homeowners and community associations to limit their ability to restrict solar devices in restrictive covenants against solar applications. The passage of these bills and others will lower many of the barriers that have limited the sale of solar systems in the state. The bills will dramatically lower the cost of solar systems to the customers and encourage an increase in sales, production, and therefore, job opportunities in the state as well.
About MDV-SEIA – Is the regional trade association of manufacturers, distributors, contractors and consultant companies working to further the use of solar energy and clean energy technologies in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia.
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