Solar power in Maryland

Last updated
Solar panels FEMA - 13131 - Photograph by Bill Koplitz taken on 06-02-2005 in Maryland.jpg
Solar panels

Solar power in Maryland is supported by the state's legislation regarding the Renewable Portfolio Standard and Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program. The target for renewable energy as of 2017 is 20% by 2020, including 2% from solar power. [1] [2]

Contents

According to the Maryland Energy Administration, [3] Maryland is exposed to approximately 5.3kWh per square meter of solar energy on a daily basis, and as of 2016, the state had 508 MW installed which ranks Maryland 11th in the nation for installed solar capacity. [4]

State and local incentives

Solar panel installation, Baltimore Rumsey 000452 172902 518310 4578 (36792942632).jpg
Solar panel installation, Baltimore

Various tax credits are available for Maryland solar power system installations, as of January 2017 the vast majority of county property tax credits have expired, a full list of remaining tax credits is available from DSIRE. [5] The Maryland Energy Administration offers a $1000 grant for residential PV systems between 2 and 20 kW of DC power at STC and $500 for solar hot water (solar thermal). [6] [7] Commercial installations are granted $60/kW (max. 100 kW) for solar panels and $20/square foot (max. 250 square feet) for solar thermal systems. [8]

Net metering

Consumer net-metering and SRECs are available in the state of Maryland for owners of both solar PV systems and, as of the May 22, 2012 signing of S.B. 791, solar hot water systems. Solar hot water systems have a 5 SREC limit. The passage of H.B. 1187, also on May 22, 2012, accelerates the state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard with a target of 20% by 2020, of which 2% must be solar. Currently, there is no limit on the system size for a photovoltaic system. [9]

In the state of Maryland, one SREC is equal to one MWh of electricity production, and is redeemable for three years. As of January 2017, an SREC is valued at $18, [10] and if the RPS is not increased is expected to further decline as the solar/renewable energy further saturates the electricity supply. [9] In addition, solar thermal that is installed for recreational purposes, such as heating a swimming pool, is not eligible for incentives. [9]

Legislation

BillDate enactedSummary
S.B. 791/H.B. 1187May 22, 2012Accelerated renewable energy goals by 2 years. [11]
H.B. 258April 10, 2012Changed minimum 15-year contract for SREC sale between solar generator and energy supplier to apply to generators greater than 10 kW only. [9]
S.B. 717May 19, 2011Solar thermal systems installed after June 1, 2011 eligible for SREC generation. [7]

Economic impact

Maryland's goals for the Renewable Portfolio Standard have led to various monetary incentives, and have led to the expansion of local companies offering solar panel installation and services. [12] Additionally, Governor Martin O'Malley stated that he aims to add 100,000 local green jobs by 2015. [13] There are currently at least 183 companies in Maryland involved in installing, distributing, designing or selling solar systems. [4]

Impact on farmland

By 2016, citizens had raised concerns about plans to build solar farms on prime farmland in Washington County, and on the Eastern Shore, in Kent County and Talbot County. [14]

Statistics

Installed capacity

Solar power in Maryland
Source: NREL [15]
Grid-Connected PV Capacity (MW) [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]
YearCapacityInstalled% Change
20070.90.350%
20082.81.9211%
20097.54.7168%
201012.85.371%
201137.124.3190%
2012116.879.7215%
2013175.458.750%
20142053017%
201534914470%
201664529684.8%
201788824337.6%
20181,01112313.8%
20191,202.8191.818.9%
20201,288.785.97.1%
20211,426.5137.8 %
20221,670243.5 %

A 5.5-MW solar farm near Hughesville generates enough power for 600 homes, and offsets the pollution of 1,600 cars. [25] [26]

A 4.3 MW solar farm in Cambridge supplies about 40% of the power for the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and saves about 1,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide during the summer. [27] [28]

Utility-scale generation

Utility-scale solar generation in Maryland (GWh) [29]
YearTotalJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
201223001111433333
201365245466559865
20149745891112111110763
20151195771114111315131085
201621091116191924242520191410
2017269151924262826282624211814
2018396181729423942424534372823
2019492272844475149544746383427
2020604323747566667706051464032
202142135376269757172

Major solar companies in Maryland

Maryland has a diverse mix of both regional solar installers and most of the national installers. Many of the companies specialize in specific types of transactions such as large scale commercial projects or residential leased system. There are an estimated 183 companies in Maryland involved in solar. [4]

  1. Chaberton Energy
  2. Solar Energy World
  3. American Sentry Solar
  4. Standard Solar
  5. Direct Energy Solar
  6. Maryland State Solar
  7. Vivint
  8. Solarcity
  9. Trinity Solar

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Nebraska</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Nebraska

Solar power in Nebraska is used for only a very small percentage of the state's electricity, although it is rapidly becoming competitive with grid electricity, due to the decrease in cost and the eight-year extension to the 30% tax credit, which can be used to install systems of any size. In 2015, the state ranked 47th among the 50 U.S. states with 1.1 MW of installed capacity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Washington (state)</span>

As of the first quarter of 2023, Washington State has 604 MW of solar power electricity generation. This is an increase from about 300 MW in 2021 and 27 MW in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Louisiana</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Louisiana

Solar power in Louisiana is ranked 34th for installed solar PV capacity as of 2017 by the Solar Energy Industry Association. The state's "solar friendliness" according to Solar Power Rocks has fallen to 50th place for 2018 as the state credit program ends and full 1:1 retail net metering is being phased out. Taxpayers still benefit from federal incentive programs such as the 30 percent tax credit, which applies to business and residential solar photovoltaic and thermal energy systems of any size.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in South Carolina</span>

Solar power in South Carolina is rapidly becoming competitive with grid electricity, due to the decrease in cost and the eight-year extension to the 30% federal tax credit, which can be used to install any size system. South Carolina offers a 25% tax credit, meaning that 55% of the cost is covered through tax credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Ohio</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Ohio

Solar power in Ohio has been increasing, as the cost of photovoltaics has decreased. Ohio installed 10 MW of solar in 2015. Ohio adopted a net metering rule which allows any customer generating up to 25 kW to use net metering, with the kilowatt hour surplus rolled over each month, and paid by the utility once a year at the generation rate upon request. For hospitals there is no limit on size, but two meters are required, one for generation, the other for utility supplied power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Wyoming</span>

Solar power in Wyoming has the potential to generate 72 million MWh/yr. Wyoming used 12 million MWh in 1999. Net metering is available to all consumers generating up to 25 kW. The state has an installed capacity of 146 MW as of 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Kansas</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Kansas

Solar power in Kansas has been growing in recent years due to new technological improvements and a variety of regulatory actions and financial incentives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in West Virginia</span> Electricity from sunlight in one U.S. state

Solar power in West Virginia on rooftops can provide 23% of all electricity used in West Virginia from 6,300 MW of solar panels, but West Virginia will be the last state in the United States to reach grid parity - the point where solar panels are cheaper than grid electricity - without incentives, due to the low cost of electricity - about $0.062/kWh. The point where grid parity is reached is a product of the average insolation and the average cost of electricity. At $0.062/kWh and 4.3 sun-hours/day, solar panels would need to come down to ~$1,850/kW installed to achieve grid parity. The first state in the US to achieve grid parity was Hawaii. Solar power's favorable carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels is a major motivation for expanding renewable energy in the state, especially when compared to coal to generate electrical power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Iowa</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Iowa

Solar power in Iowa is limited but growing, with 137 megawatts (MW) installed by the end of 2019 and 27 MW installed during that year, ranking the state 40th among U.S. states. Iowa also generated 0.23% of the state's total electricity production in 2019 from solar energy; an amount sufficient to power over 17,000 Iowa homes. The state's early position as a major wind-power provider may have limited early large-scale solar investment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in South Dakota</span> Overview of solar power production and usage in South Dakota

Solar power in South Dakota has high potential but little practical application. The state ranked 50th among U.S. states in installed solar polar in 2015 with no utility-scale or large commercial systems. Photovoltaic panels on rooftops can provide 38.7% of all electricity used in South Dakota using 3,800 MW of solar panels. The state is ranked 14th in the country in solar power potential, and 4th in wind potential.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Maine</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Maine

Solar power in Maine on rooftops, utilizing 6,300 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, can provide 60% of the electricity used in Maine according to a 2016 U.S. Department of Energy study. Maine and Vermont are tied for the second highest rooftop solar potential in the country, only behind the state of California. A 2020 estimate suggests that a typical 5.6 kilowatt (kW) residential system will pay for itself in 6-7 years and generate a profit of $45,000 over the rest of its 25-year life from the tax credits and utility savings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Oklahoma</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Oklahoma

Solar power in Oklahoma can provide 44.1% of all electricity used in Oklahoma from 19,300 MW of rooftop solar panels. This scenario is extremely unlikely though because the cost of electricity in Oklahoma is among the lowest in the nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Alabama</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Alabama

Solar power in Alabama on rooftops could theoretically provide 29.8% of all electricity used in Alabama, with 20,400 MW of solar panels potentially installed on rooftops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Georgia (U.S. state)</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Georgia

Solar power in Georgia on rooftops can provide 31% of all electricity used in Georgia.

Solar power in Illinois has been increasing, as the cost of photovoltaics has decreased. As of the end of 2020, Illinois had 465 megawatts (MW) of installed photovoltaic and concentrated solar power capacity combined employing over 5,200 jobs. Illinois adopted a net metering rule which allows customers generating up to 40 kW to use net metering, with the kilowatt hour surplus rolled over each month, and lost at the end of either April or October, as selected by the customer. In 2011, the limit was raised to 2 MW, but is not net metering, as the term is commonly known, as it uses two meters for systems larger than 40 kW.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Missouri</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Missouri

Solar power in Missouri has been a growing industry since the early 2010s. Solar power is capable of generating 42.7% of the electricity used in Missouri from rooftop solar panels totaling 28,300 MW.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in New Hampshire</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of New Hampshire

Solar power in New Hampshire provides a small percentage of the state's electricity. State renewable requirements and declining prices have led to some installations. Photovoltaics on rooftops can provide 53.4% of all electricity used in New Hampshire, from 5,300 MW of solar panels, and 72% of the electricity used in Concord, New Hampshire. A 2016 estimate suggests that a typical 5 kW system costing $25,000 before credits and utility savings will pay for itself in 9 years, and generate a profit of $34,196 over the rest of its 25-year life. A loan or lease provides a net savings each year, including the first year. New Hampshire has a rebate program which pays $0.75/W for residential systems up to 5 kW, for up to 50% of the system cost, up to $3,750. However, New Hampshire's solar installation lagged behind nearby states such as Vermont and New York, which in 2013 had 10 times and 25 times more solar, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Vermont</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Vermont

Solar power in Vermont provides almost 11% of the state's in-state electricity production as of 2018. A 2009 study indicated that distributed solar on rooftops can provide 18% of all electricity used in Vermont. A 2012 estimate suggests that a typical 5 kW system costing $25,000 before credits and utility savings will pay for itself in 10 years, and generate a profit of $34,956 over the rest of its 25-year life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Wisconsin</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Wisconsin

Solar power in Wisconsin In 2026, Wisconsin rooftops can accommodate approximately 37 GWs of solar capacity and produce 44,183 GWh of electricity, nearly 70% of the statewide generation in 2019. Net metering is available for systems up to at least 20 kW, and excess generation is credited at retail rate to customers next bill. Some utilities allow net metering up to 100 kW. For Xcel customers, kilowatt credits are rolled over monthly and are reconciled annually at avoided cost. Best practices recommend no limits, either individually or aggregate, and perpetual roll over of kilowatt credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solar power in Pennsylvania</span> Overview of solar power in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania

Solar power in Pennsylvania currently provides less than 1% of the state's electricity, but there are many policies in place to regulate and incentivize its use. Pennsylvania mandates the use of solar power through a renewable portfolio standard, which requires a percentage of electricity from each providers to come from solar, and net metering, which compensates small-scale solar generation through net metering. By 2021, Pennsylvania was required to have 0.5% of its electricity from solar. Their following goal is 10% by 2030. Solar power could theoretically provide over 30% of the state's electricity, but growth in solar generation has slowed due to a reduction in solar grants and the low price of solar energy credits. Efforts have also seen blowback from citizens, most notably from Mount Joy Township. Although, Pennsylvania has ruled solar as a legal use, meaning local governments can only restrict size and placement, but can't disband the projects.

References

  1. "Home - Maryland State Solar". Maryland State Solar. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
  2. "MEA - Solar". energy.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
  3. Maryland Energy Administration
  4. 1 2 3 "Maryland Solar". SEIA. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
  5. "DSIRE". programs.dsireusa.org. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
  6. "Residential Clean Energy Grant Program". MEA.
  7. 1 2 "Benefits of Solar Energy | Solar Incentives". Solar Energy World. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  8. "Commercial Clean Energy Grant Program". MEA.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Maryland Solar Renewable Energy Certificates". DSIRE.
  10. Inc., SRECTrade. "SRECTrade | SREC Markets | Maryland | MD". www.srectrade.com. Retrieved 2017-01-05.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  11. "Chapter 115/House Bill 258" (PDF).
  12. "Find a Company | Maryland Clean Energy Center". Maryland Clean Energy Center. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  13. Hinrichs, Doug. "MEA- Solar Energy". MEA.
  14. Kobell, Rona (October 28, 2016). "Article: Solar energy runs into resistance in Maryland". Bay Journal. Retrieved 2020-01-28.[ dead link ]
  15. "PV Watts". NREL. Retrieved 2012-08-17.
  16. Sherwood, Larry (August 2012). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2011" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-08-16.
  17. Sherwood, Larry (June 2011). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2010" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Retrieved 2011-06-29.
  18. Sherwood, Larry (July 2010). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2009" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-25. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
  19. Sherwood, Larry (July 2009). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2008" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  20. Sherwood, Larry (August 2008). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2007" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Retrieved 2010-07-24.[ permanent dead link ]
  21. Sherwood, Larry (July 2009). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2008" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  22. Sherwood, Larry (July 2012). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2012" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). p. 16. Retrieved 2013-10-11.
  23. Sherwood, Larry (July 2014). "U.S. Solar Market Trends 2013" (PDF). Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). Retrieved 2014-09-26.
  24. Maryland Solar
  25. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (2014-04-30). "SMECO Announces Second Solar Project LexLeader". The Lexington Park Leader. Retrieved 2020-01-28.
  26. Newman, Jeff (January 10, 2013). "Solar farm in Charles County gives SMECO new energy" . Retrieved 2020-01-28.
  27. "National Aquarium | Solar Solutions, FTW!". National Aquarium. Retrieved 2020-01-28.
  28. "National Aquarium, Constellation efforts yield major summer savings". OneEnergy Renewables. 2015-09-30. Retrieved 2020-01-28.
  29. "Electricity Data Browser". U.S. Department of Energy. March 28, 2018. Retrieved October 1, 2021.