The demand for solar energy is increasing in Carroll County as more and more individuals come to realize that the installation of solar panels can now generate significant economic as well as environmental benefits.
However, for some, their roof is too shaded or faces the wrong direction. Perhaps they live in an apartment or condominium where they cannot install solar panels. On the other hand, others may have the land or rooftop space to install far more solar energy than they can use. The answer to this problem would be for individuals or groups to produce or purchase solar electricity through a community energy generating facility, or CEGF.
The community energy subscribers would then receive credits on their monthly utility bills for their share of energy generated from a host site. Unfortunately, in Maryland, there are currently legal roadblocks to starting a CEGF.
To address this issue, Sen. Paul Pinsky and Del. Dana Stein have recently introduced legislation (SB 0699 and HB 1128) that will allow Marylanders to create and operate CEGFs. This pilot legislation would allow a limited number of farms, businesses, non-profits and other third-party entities to install solar panels or other renewal energy facilities and operate CEGFs for the benefits of community subscribers.
Both the House and Senate bills propose a three-year pilot program. The hope is that the study resulting from this pilot program will lead to future legislation allowing more community energy generating facilities.
Marylanders would benefit from this legislation. Solar companies and contractors would see an increase in economic activity and employment in Maryland. A successful pilot program could result in regulatory changes that would, in the long run, create hundreds of new jobs in Maryland.
Subscribers would be able to receive energy credits while helping to expand renewal energy in Maryland.
Site providers would be able to put unused rooftops and other spaces into productive use while sharing in energy credits with their community.
Utilities would receive additional peak load energy and enhanced community relations.
Let's not let this important legislation slip through the cracks. It is critical that you show your support. Please email or call your state senator and state delegates and tell them that you support SB 0699 and HB 1128, and ask them to support these bills.
Jerry Brubach
Finksburg
The writer is a spokesperson for the Deer Park-Benson Neighborhood Solar Collation.
