Solar power in the news
If you’re considering adding photovoltaic solar panels to your residence or commercial project, here’s some good news: research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found “strong evidence that California homes with photovoltaic systems have sold for a premium over comparable homes without PV systems.” 
In an April 21 article, the New York Times shared that researchers looked at both homes with photovoltaic systems and homes without in California over an eight-and-a-half-year period ending in mid-2009. This is great news for those concerned that they’ll have to use their solar panels for many years before seeing a return on investment.
If you’re installing solar panels, you may get an even bigger bang for your buck. The study found that homeowners who install solar panels on existing houses get nearly three times the premium of homeowners whose house came with solar panels. You’re investing in a valuable upgrade for your home, and the market value will reflect that.
To read more on the study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, visit: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/study-finds-solar-panels-increase-home-values/?partner=rss&emc=rss
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International solar: Sarnia PV Power Plant (Ontario)
On October 4, 2010, Canada became home to the world’s largest solar power plant: Sarnia PV Power Plant in Ontari
o. Enbridge, Inc. and First Solar, Inc. constructed the facility, which will generate enough energy to power almost 13,000 homes; 1.3 million solar panels span 950 acres. The Ontario Power Authority is contracted for 20 years of power from Sarnia.
Enbridge noted that constructing the solar farm created more than 800 jobs for the economy. To keep the project as environmentally friendly as possible, no water was used during construction and minimal waste—including noise pollution—was created.
In December 2010, Enbridge and First Solar were honored by the Canadian Solar Industries Association where Sarnia PV power plant was named “Solar PV Project of the Year.”
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Reviewing solar tax rebates
In 2009, Congress passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to extend consumer tax incentives started by the 2005 Energy Act. That equals big tax rebates for you when you choose to invest in sustainable energy home improvements.
So how big are these rebates? Homeowners who invest in solar energy systems will receive a 30% federal tax credit as long as the systems are in place by the end of 2016.
In Maryland, several counties offer property tax credits. Howard County, for example, allows a tax credit that is 50% of the eligible costs up to $5,000 for electricity generating or heat generating systems, and $1,500 for a hot water supply system.
Daunted by the idea of the paperwork and details that go into claiming those tax credits? Don’t be.
We will do all of it for you. Contact us to learn more!
Please note, this post was written prior to the change in the Howard County Property Tax.
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Earth Day Round-Up
You most likely knew that April 22nd was Earth Day but did you know that the month of April is “Earth Month”?
Many events were held all over Maryland (even one of our own!) where people celebrated green jobs, clean energy, organic gardening, recycling and much more. Here are a few highlights around town:
Elkridge Solar Firm Launches Nonprofit Coalition to Lobby for More Clean Energy
Solar Energy World became convinced that community activism would have to be part of their business strategy before their rooftop solar panels would gain wide acceptance. In short, they realized they had to first win the hearts and minds of voters if clean energy–principally solar, geothermal and wind–would garner the same tax incentives oil and coal companies received.
Read more about Solar Energy World and the launch of the Clean Energy Coalition>>
To learn more about the Clean Energy Coalition>>
Here is a clip from the press conference with Solar Energy World guests, Maryland Delegate James Malone and Jim Pierobon from the Maryland Clean Energy Center:
BWI Gets Eight Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Earth Day
Gov. Martin O’Malley celebrated Earth Day on Friday by announcing the installation of eight electric vehicle charging stations at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Read more about the BWI EV Charging Stations>>
All over Montgomery County Earth Day was being celebrated! – brought to you by Patch
Congressman Chris Van Hollen and professional artists from Montgomery County stressed the importance of art to young people and to the community as VisArts at Rockville hosted an awards ceremony for the 8th Congressional District Art Competition for High School Students on Tuesday.
A new community garden will give 50 families the chance to grow and harvest their own food. County Executive Isiah Leggett, as well as community and religious leaders, were on hand at the Emory Grove garden to break ground on Saturday..
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Community Solar Gardens
Last August, the nation’s first community solar garden was activated in El Jebel, Colorado. Three hundred forty solar panels collectively owned by local residents is the first of its kind and may spur similar innovative projects to launch.
Community solar gardens allow residents of condos, shaded homes, or those who want to reap the benefits of solar energy. Participants can take use solar energy without a large up-front investment. There are many policies surrounding community solar gardens that have to be considered with such an extensive project.
The land in El Jebel was otherwise unusable, making it the perfect site for solar panels. Clean Energy Collective (CEC) sold the parcels of solar to residents for as little as $725. CEC predicts a 67% increase of community solar energy in the next five years.
Would you participant in a community solar garden? What would the pros and cons be for you?
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Can you truly get “off the grid?”
If you are using traditional energy sources, you’re considered “on the grid,” meaning that you’re connected to a public utility service for energy resources. If you’re “off the grid,” you’re not reliant on those energy companies to create power for your home. Solar energy gives you the opportunity to move further off the grid and rely less on public utilities.
To be truly off the grid, your home would be completely independent of public utilities and would not be impacted by outages. You have the option to choose a system that will lessen your dependence in varying degrees. It should be noted that if power goes out – for safety reasons – your solar system will automatically shut off.
Solar energy can help America become more independent of international fossil fuels. Because solar energy is generated locally, once the initial installation is complete, there is minimal upkeep and you’ll be freed of the rising cost of public energy companies. Living off the grid can also trickle into other areas of your life; you learn to only use what you’re producing, and no more.
One of the greatest perks of solar energy is being energy independent and not relying on public utilities – or paying into them.
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Springing into Solar
There’s a reason why spring is the hot time for hiring in the alternative energy field – people are ready to invest in solar! While you’re planning your spring cleaning, consider adding solar panels to your to do list. Spring is a great time to optimize the extended daylight hours as the final spots of snow melt away and allow solar panels to absorb more light.
With systems that we design and install, there is very little maintenance. Photovoltaic solar systems are inherently very low-maintenance, requiring the system owner only to wash the solar modules down with water when they get dirty so light can get through. If you already own panels, spring is a good time to give them a quick spray to remove any dirt and debris left from winter.
Another exciting reason to welcome spring? President Obama has agreed to have solar panels installed on the White House this season, which officials anticipate will include 25-75 panels and will convert sunlight into 19,700 kilowatt hours of electricity a year. That would equal about $2,300 in saving per year for a residential home in Washington, D.C. Although the cost to outfit solar panels on the White House would cost approximately $100,000, that money would be earned back in just five years.
Ready to spring in to solar? Give us a call or fill out the Contact form!
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European solar market trumps US but there is a bright spot.
According to a report by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), published March 10, 2011, the US solar energy industry had a banner year in 2010 and is a bight spot in the US economy as the fastest growing sector. In contrast to the US GDP growth of 2.8%, the US solar market grew 67% in value in 2010 (SEIA executive summary).
US demand growth was, however, outpaced by a global market boom driven primarily by Germany and Italy. It’s reported that the growth in Europe was due to the large government incentives available at the time. However, those incentives have since expired.
The US solar market grew from $3.6 billion in 2009 more than doubling in 2010.
It’s expected that the US opportunity to expand its share in 2011 while the global market slows down. The numbers of installations are likely to double in 2011 in the US. Much of the global PV industry is turning its eye to the US with great expectations.
In 2007, only four US states installed more than 10 megawatts of PV. Now, 16 states have accomplished that feat, notably Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Jersey installed more than 50 megawatts. In 2010, New Jersey more than double it’s installations, ranking the 2nd largest state for solar installations with more than 100 megawatts in a single year.
“This report shows that solar energy is now one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, creating new opportunities for both large and small businesses. Every day, Americans across the country are going to work at well-paying, stable jobs at solar companies, from small installers all the way up to Fortune 500 companies,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “This remarkable growth puts the solar industry’s goal of powering 2 million homes annually by 2015 within reach. Achieving such amazing growth during the economic downturn shows that smart polices combined with American ingenuity adds up to a great return on investment for the public. The bottom line is that the solar energy industry is creating tens of thousands of new American jobs each year.”
While New Jersey has outpaced even California, Maryland isn’t even on the map.
Maryland was one of the first states to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2004. A solar “carve-out” was added in 2007, requiring that a percentage of the renewable portfolio standard must originate from in-state solar generated electricity; the percentage gradually ramps up to 2% by 2022. In April 2008 Governor Martin O’Malley signed Senate Bill 209, which accelerates the RPS to require that 20 percent of the state’s electricity supply come from renewable sources by 2022. In 2010, the Maryland legislature adopted provisions that further accelerated the RPS requirements in the early years (2011 through 2017), resulting in more residential and commercial solar installations during this period.
MDV-SEIA, the Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia chapter, is working on policy changes to fast track change, making it possible to hit the state requirements by 2022.
Overall, the state is at 27% of its 2022 goal.
Way to go New Jersey! Let’s get going Maryland! Be part of the solar revolution, green jobs and solar savings!
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Energy Tip: Shave more off your energy bill with a simple DIY improvement
Lowering the temperature on your hot water heater to 120 degrees can create even greater energy savings. Setting the thermostat down will save energy without losing the comfort of a long and relaxing bath.
According to the DOE, for each 10 degrees reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3-5% in energy costs.
Reducing your temperature to 120 degrees also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. It also helps the water heater operate a maximum efficiency.
Water heating accounts for approximately 20-30% of your energy bill so taking smart measures to reduce energy costs can be as simple as reducing the temperature on the heater. If you really want to shave off more, consider solar hot water.
This video shows you how solar hot water systems work.
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Energy Tip: Thermostats and humidifiers
In January we launched our Energy Audit division, so we’ll be incorporating simple energy tips into our weekly posts.
A simple explanation of an energy audit is an exercise in pinpointing the areas in your home that are wasting energy and finding the most cost effective measures for cutting your energy consumption. Here’s a video the gives a great explanation.
But, before we talk about energy saving tips…
Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars.
Tip #1: Set your thermostat back.
I know that’s a simple one but…if you set back your thermostat and use a humidifier it feels like you’ve done nothing at all. The room will remain comfortable at a lower setting and you’ll be better protected from airborne viruses.
Heating accounts for the biggest chunk of a typical utility bill. So, this tip along with some other energy saving tips could make a big impact over time. So, stay tuned for more energy savings tips over the coming weeks.
If you’d like to learn more about Solar Energy World Energy Audits, please contact us.
Source: 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book,
Table 4.2.1., 2005 energy cost data.
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