As a Maryland based company, we are excited to work with Maryland landowners to offer the benefits of leasing 8-10 acres of land for the Community Solar program.
Leasing Land
Leasing land for Maryland community benefit programs can be highly beneficial. Here’s why:
Financial Benefits
Leasing can provide a steady and often more lucrative income compared to traditional farming.
Environmental Impact
Contributing to renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions.
Community Support
Programs like Illinois Solar For All ensure equitable access to solar energy, benefiting low-income communities and providing job training opportunities.
Low Maintenance
Solar installations require minimal upkeep.
By participating, you not only gain financially but also support environmental sustainability and community development. It’s a win-win for both you and your community.
The Maryland Community Solar Program
The Maryland Community Solar Program is designed to provide access to solar-generated electricity for all Maryland customers, including those who cannot install solar panels on their own property. The program aims to diversify the state's energy resources, meet renewable energy goals, and offer financial benefits to participants
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Here are the key details:
Program History and Structure
Legislation and Launch
The Maryland legislature passed the Community Solar Energy Generating System Program into law in May 2015. The Public Service Commission finalized program regulations in July 2016, and the program officially launched in May 2017.
Permanent Program
In April 2023, Maryland passed House Bill 908, transitioning the pilot program to a permanent community solar program effective July 1, 2023.
Key Features
Capacity and Allocation
The original Maryland Community Solar program was a pilot program, which had a capacity cap of approximately 600 MW. The permanent program, launched in 2023, removes the capacity cap, allowing for unlimited community solar capacity.
Project Size
Projects can be up to 5 MW in size (20-25 acres). However, most jurisdictions in Maryland limit Community Solar project sizes to 10 acres.
Subscriber Eligibility
Any person or entity with an electric meter account in Maryland can subscribe, provided they are in the same utility territory as the solar array.
Focus on Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) Customers
Low & Moderate Income Provisions (LMI)
The pilot program set aside about 125 MW for LMI customers. The permanent program mandates that at least 40% of each project's capacity be reserved for LMI subscribers.
Income Verification
LMI subscribers can self-attest to their income status, simplifying the subscription process.
Billing
The program includes utility consolidated billing to streamline billing for LMI subscribers.
Consumer Protections and Benefits
Consumer Protections
The program includes significant consumer protections, such as prohibiting unreasonable fees and requiring clear contract disclosures.
Bill Credits
Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the energy produced by the community solar project. These credits are equivalent to all volumetric charges, applied as a dollar or kWh credit.
Project Development and Siting
Siting and Development
Projects can be developed on various sites, including rooftops, brownfields, parking lots, and farmland. The program encourages development in both urban and rural areas.
Legislative Support
Recent legislative actions have eased siting requirements and expanded tax exemptions for projects serving LMI customers.
Participating Utilities
Eligible Utilities
The program includes participation from Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), Delmarva Power, Pepco, and Potomac Edison.
Program Impact and Future
Impact
By the end of 2022, approximately 88 MW of community solar capacity was operational, supporting around 90,000 Maryland consumers.
Future Developments
The permanent program aims to continue expanding community solar capacity and improving access and benefits for all Maryland residents, particularly LMI communities.