Maryland,
like most other states in America, is in need of alternative sources
of energy. The traditional fossil-fuel based energy sources that have
been used for the last century have begun to have an adverse effect
on the environment. As populations continue to increase, the need for
energy also increases. By continuing to rely on the conventional source
of energy we will undoubtedly be increasing the damage to our planet.
Advances in photovoltaic technology has greatly improved their cost
effectiveness for the average consumer. Homeowners throughout Maryland
have turned to solar companies to help reign in their monthly energy
expenses, often with great results. However, with one of the most stunning
coast lines in the country, and the impeccable natural beauty of the
state in general, many residents of Maryland feel that solar energy
is in the best interest of their local ecology.
All across the state, homeowners are installing solar kits with great
success. There are many solar companies based in Maryland that are experiencing
a boom in business as the cost of traditional energy sources continue
to rise. Solar panels can be used to dramatically decrease the electricity
bills of the homeowner and the cost of installing such systems are often
subsidized by the state.
The Maryland State Legislature has implemented a number of programs
designed to offset the cost of installing a solar kit. While these programs
can be of tremendous help to the average homeowner, the main idea is
to reduce the amount of fossil fuel used to supply power to the state.
The more solar kits that are used, the less dependant the residents
are on oil, which in turn saves everybody money and reduces the amount
of damage to the environment.
The renewable energy standard implemented by the Maryland legislature
in 2004 was designed to ensure that 9.5% of all the energy produced
within the state was to come from clean, renewable resources by the
year 2022. In 2007 the standard was amended to 11.5%, with a goal of
1500 MW of electricity being harvested from solar power annually.
Maryland also offers its residents several different ways to save additional
money when installing new solar kits. One such program offers to pay
a homeowner (in the form of a rebate) 20% of the installation costs,
up to $3000. There is also a property tax exemption that ensures that
any increased value to your home that occurs by installing solar panels
will not be additionally taxed.
In addition to state initiatives, there are numerous county and city
programs that can be tapped to help lower the cost of solar kits even
further. City and county tax credits are available to most homeowners
that choose to install solar panels, and personal income tax credits
can also be found.
When these various rebates and tax credits are combined they often
result in thousands of dollars in savings for the homeowner. This can
reduce the out of pocket expense necessary to purchase the equipment,
making in much more feasible for the average person. However, the best
part is seeing your utility bills dwindle to a mere fraction of what
they were before switching to solar energy.