Thought of putting solar panels on your house? Thought about a turbine for the office?
The Solar and Wind Expo 2010 is coming this Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to the Timonium Fairgrounds. Tickets are $12, or $10 if bought online. Kids under 12 are free and there are $2 discounts for taking the light rail. Moms with kids are free on Sunday, Mother's Day.
Organizers say you can come with a faint idea of what you want and leave with all information on what is appropriate for you home or business, how much it will cost, what incentives are available and what contractor is right for you.
There will be all kinds of speakers and vendors.
Wind and solar energy are becoming more mainstream as people look for ways to cut their utility bills and tread more lightly on the planet.
I reported in a story last year that more than 10,000 people around the country bought wind systems in 2008, in part because of federal and state incentives. The Maryland Energy Administration began accepting grant applications from residents for wind turbines in late 2007 under its Windswept program. The state provides up to $10,000 depending on the size of the turbine.
And earlier this year, I reported that U.S. solar electric capacity grew by 63 percent in 2008, triple the growth in 2005, according to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates up to 250,000 U.S. homes generate some solar energy. And half of people recently polled said they were thinking about solar power for a home or business.
The MEA also offers grants of up to $10,000 for solar-power systems, on top of a 30 percent federal tax break. From July to January of this year, records show 662 people applied around the state.
So, you thinking about panels or turbines or other energy conservation plans? Going to the expo?
Baltimore Sun file photo of a Glen Burnie resident with solar panels in his backyard/Kenneth K. Lam