Senate Approves Community Solar to Reach Beyond Rooftops
Monday, April 13, 2015
BALTIMORE - Marylanders could soon reach for solar beyond the rooftop. The Senate approved legislation (HB 1087) and SB 398)over the weekend that would establish a three-year, pilot community solar program.
Jessica Ennis, legislative representative at Earthjustice, explains solar is out of reach for up to 80 percent of Marylanders, and this legislation would open up options.
"It would allow every Marylander to be able to subscribe to a community solar array anywhere in their utility service territory and then get a credit for that electricity on their bill," says Ennis.
Community solar could be installed on top of a community center, an apartment building or in an open field. Some investor-owned utilities have expressed concerns about the legislation affecting their ability to establish similar projects, although backers of the legislation say those projects can continue.
The legislation also includes a study to gauge effectiveness and make recommendations on the merits of a permanent program. Ennis says there are projects just waiting for the law to go on the books.
"Open up solar energy to people who live in high-rise buildings, or in multi-family housing who don't have access to their roof, or people who don't have as much money to spend on this so they can subscribe to a portion of a system," she says.
The legislation has passed both houses and is expected to be on the Governor's desk soon.
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