Although when you think of Maryland, you often don’t think of tropical weather with lots of sun, on a sunny day Maryland receives enough solar energy (gWh directly from the sun) to produce more than all of the electric power plants in the state. And Maryland is not a state to let all of that beautiful clean power go to waste. In 2001 the Maryland state government passed legislation saying that six percent of the power used by state buildings must come from renewable sources, alongside improving their efficiency. In 2004 they took this even further, saying that by 2022, 9.5% of the power used in the state would come from renewable sources. With state net-metering rules that allow a system as big as 2 MW to be connected to the grid, allowing utility bill credits when homes or businesses make more power than they use, solar electricity becomes incredibly cost effective.

One of the best advantages of solar in Maryland for residential customers are the SREC’s, or Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. What these mean is that, since utilites must provide a percentage of their power from renewable, the utility companies essentially write an annual check to the solar powered homeowner, to pay for the renewable energy that they have produced! Many homeowners are taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity, including a family in Bethesda, the Heatons, who are overjoyed with their groSolar installed system which earns them, through SREC’s, around $1000 a year! Beyond the environmental payback, which was the original reason the Heatons chose to go solar, they are now seeing the amazing payback that solar in Maryland can provide families. With great companies like groSolar in the area, now is certainly the time to go solar in Maryland.

Like many other states who have decided to focus energy on the solar industry, Maryland has chosen to exhibit solar. The Solar and Wind Expo in Timonium, MD features local and national exhibitors as well as speakers and educational organizations. The Expo happens each year in May and gets rave reviews from people who know the business as well as those who are just trying to learn the basics. Because there’s no doubt that solar energy is going to continue to be a big factor in Maryland, it’s important to be as knowledgeable as possible in the changing green economy!