| A great stepping stone for the Maryland solar | | | | electricity installed for systems between 20 and |
| industry would be to add solar energy systems to | | | | 100 kW, or a grant of up to $50,000. The MEA |
| state buildings. Well, on March 24th, 2010, just | | | | incentive program would also cover up to 15% of |
| that happened. The Maryland Department of | | | | a solar thermal system, or up to $25,000 per |
| General Services announced that they would be | | | | grant. Business owners should be very attracted |
| installing photovoltaic systems on 5 of their | | | | to this offer as the economy is prime for building |
| buildings. Engaged in a 20-year power purchase | | | | your own solar business from the ground up. The |
| agreement with SunEdison to install, finance, own | | | | Maryland solar industry will undoubtedly see |
| and operate the five solar systems, Maryland | | | | growth from this move. |
| taxpayers would not be responsible for the | | | | But in the end, one blemish to the Maryland solar |
| upfront cost of the projects. Solar arrays would | | | | industry must be noted. On March 26th, BP Solar |
| also be a great addition to the state's renewable | | | | regretfully laid off 320 of their 430 employees |
| energy portfolio. | | | | putting a halt to all production of solar panels in |
| Another good sign for the Maryland solar industry | | | | their Frederick, Maryland plant. |
| involves the Maryland Energy Administration | | | | Unfortunately, because we are still in a recession, |
| updating a new incentive program for the | | | | the Maryland solar industry along with other |
| installation of mid-sized solar electric systems. In | | | | states' solar markets will still see setbacks like the |
| an attempt to make clean energy retrofits | | | | one previously mentioned. This might be another |
| accessible to local businesses, the two year | | | | sad event that needs to occur for the entire |
| program would use a total of up to $1.45 million | | | | green economy to move forward. Some solar |
| to help subsidize the cost of commercial rooftop | | | | companies will have to fail before we see price |
| solar projects. Maryland businesses would qualify | | | | drops and the huge boom the solar industry |
| for a rebate of $500 per kilowatt of solar | | | | seems to be waiting impatiently for. |