Archive for the ‘Maryland Renewable Energy’ category

Electric Vehicles Get $1 Million Boost in Maryland

March 8th, 2010

Program Available for State & Local Governments, Non-Profits and Private Entities

ANNAPOLIS, MD- The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) launched today the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (EVIP) initiative to promote electric vehicles throughout the State and aid the installation of Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification. The new program, run by MEA and the Maryland Clean Cities Coalition will provide $1 million this fiscal year in grants to state & local governments, nonprofits and private entities. This news comes on the heels of Governor Martin O’Malley introducing an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit bill during this legislative session. The proposed bill provides Maryland residents with up to $2,000 in tax incentives to help defray the upfront costs of purchasing electric vehicles.

“These grants represent the future of sustainable transportation,” remarked Governor O’Malley. “Today’s announcement is part of our long term commitment to lead by example in energy advancements and create cleaner, less expensive, and more fuel efficient transportation options for our citizens.”

The grants will assist organizations in purchasing and installing Electric Vehicle Recharging units and Truck Stop Electrification systems. Several plug-in electric vehicles are expected to be commercially available later this year, including the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. These vechicles will reduce the amount of liquid petroleum utilized in the state while also reducing our carbon footprint and promoting energy independence. Interested parties may download the application from the MEA website at www.energy.maryland.gov.

“The Maryland Energy Administration is thrilled to be able to partner with Clean Cities to make continued strides in promoting electric vehicles and accelerate our transition to a cleaner energy future,” commented MEA Director Malcolm Woolf, “Maryland is moving to take advantage of this exciting technology, which promises to reduce fuel bills, improve air quality, and reduce our dependence on oil imports.”

Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Smart, Green & Growing was created to foster a smarter, greener, more sustainable future for Maryland families. The Initiative is bringing together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to revitalize communities, improve transit, create green jobs, address climate change, conserve energy, preserve land, and restore the Chesapeake Bay.

www.green.maryland.gov

Project Sunburst- Breaking Maryland Solar Energy News

February 16th, 2010

Project Sunburst expected to double amount of solar energy generated in the State for a Smart, Green and Growing Maryland

mdsolarenergyANNAPOLIS, MD–-Governor Martin O’Malley announced today that more clean energy jobs are on the horizon for Maryland workers. At a clean energy event today, legislators, green businesses, and environmental groups joined together in support of the Governor’s solar legislation being considered in the General Assembly this year. The bill would accelerate the state’s solar targets to stimulate greater job creation in this growing sector. In addition, through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), Governor O’Malley announced that $8 million in the form of grants are available to promote clean, affordable, and reliable energy for public buildings throughout Maryland.

Project Sunburst, administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), is designed to maximize available incentives and limit upfront costs for public buildings that wish to utilize solar energy. MEA is offering rebates of up to $1,000 per kilowatt (kW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed on public buildings. Potential Project Sunburst partners include the Port of Baltimore and the State Police Barracks, and MEA hopes to partner with counties and local school districts to spread the benefits of renewable energy throughout the state.

“Maryland continues to lead by example through clean energy programs and incentives for all sectors, and Project Sunburst is yet another tangible step towards the realization of our Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of 20 percent renewable energy by 2022,” remarked Governor Martin O’Malley. “I encourage all public entities to join with us today to go green and reduce government expenses by adding clean energy systems on our public buildings statewide.”

An estimated 100 new solar jobs will be created over the next year through Project Sunburst. The Governor’s solar acceleration bill would create an estimated 650 additional jobs by 2017.

“Investing in renewable energy is a triple win for Maryland by creating new green collar jobs, reducing long term electricity bills, and protecting the environment,” commented MEA Director Malcolm Woolf. “Through Project Sunburst, we hope to more than double the amount of solar on currently on Maryland’s grid. And the Governor’s solar acceleration bill will further spur the emerging solar industry so that the jobs created using federal stimulus funds will continue for years into the future.”

Expressions of Interest for Project Sunburst are being accepted on a rolling basis through March 26, 2010. Proposed project portfolios will be evaluated based on quality of proposed locations, size, geographic diversity, and ability to successfully execute projects quickly. Interested public entities are encouraged to review the Expression of Interest criteria on the MEA website, www.energy.maryland.gov, or contact program manager Mike Hartley directly at mhartley@energy.state.md.us for all necessary details.

Introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley in October 2008, Smart, Green & Growing was created to foster a smarter, greener, more sustainable future for Maryland families. The Initiative is bringing together state agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to revitalize communities, improve transit, create green jobs, address climate change, conserve energy, preserve land, and restore the Chesapeake Bay.

www.green.maryland.gov

Maryland Energy Outlook Report

January 12th, 2010

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ACCEPTS REPORT ON CLEAN ENERGY, OUTLINES ENERGY GOALS PROGRESS

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley recently accepted a report from the Maryland Energy Administration that evaluates the State’s progress in meeting its progressive energy goals and offers specific recommendations to effect lasting market transformation. The Maryland Energy Outlook (MEO) report focuses on growing a green economy with a robust workforce, reducing electricity consumption, expanding renewable energy, and promoting energy independence through alternative transportation policies and use of alternative fuels for vehicles.

Maryland, like many states, is on the cusp of an energy transformation, even during these difficult economic times,” noted Governor Martin O’Malley. “At this critical juncture, we must objectively examine our State energy goals and assess our progress in achieving them, capitalizing on the opportunities these times offer us to create jobs and drive economic progress. This report will help guide energy policy as we continue to fight for affordable, reliable, and clean energy for all Maryland’s citizens.”

Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, Maryland established aggressive clean energy goals, including a 15% energy efficiency and peak demand goal, a 20% renewable electricity goal, a 25% greenhouse gas reduction target, and a goal of creating 100,000 new green jobs by 2015. The MEO report found that Maryland is on track to exceed the peak demand reduction goals, which will significantly minimize the risk of blackouts and reduce the need for new generation and transmission lines. In addition, over the last three years, thousands of families have reduced their monthly bills through home energy makeovers, new community college classes have trained hundreds of green collar workers, demand for residential renewable energy systems is at an all-time high, and the first major commercial scale wind and solar projects are in development.

Nevertheless, the MEO report highlights that more will be required to achieve our goals and create truly clean, affordable, and reliable energy for Maryland’s citizens. The specific recommendations in the report include modifying the state’s renewable portfolio standard to accelerate the deployment of solar energy, promote the purchase and use of electric-drive vehicles when commercially available through incentives such as State tax benefits and designated high occupancy lanes for their use, encouraging disclosure of energy consumption at the time residential or commercial property is listed for sale, and adopting an energy efficiency standard for televisions.

“Clean energy has emerged as one of the drivers of the 21st Century economy,” remarked MEA Director Malcolm Woolf. “The Maryland Energy Outlook builds on Maryland’s leading position in promoting cleaner, more reliable and more affordable energy and identifies additional steps we can take to accelerate our progress toward a green collar economy. We hope that the findings of the MEO will be taken under consideration during this legislative session and look forward to supporting Governor O’Malley’s continued vision and leadership towards a Smart, Green and Growing Maryland.”

Happy Holidays! Maryland Solar Hot Water News

November 30th, 2009

matt001-small Happy Holidays! Maryland Solar Hot Water News

Matt Bartlett here. I just wanted to send this quick holiday message to all of our clients, blog readers, and anyone with an interest in solar hot water.

First, I want to send a big thank you to everyone who decided to install a solar water heater this year.  It’s people like you who are stepping up and making real, positive change to the way you and your family consumes fossil fuel. Even if you chose to use one of our competitors for your installation, we are glad you made the switch to solar powered water heating! Collectively you all are making an impact, and saving a ton of money too!

 Happy Holidays! Maryland Solar Hot Water NewsFor those of you who are passionate about solar energy and keep tabs on the local solar market, you will be happy to know solar hot water heaters are more popular than ever. We have had a terrific year installing countless solar water heaters across the entire state and have already booked numerous installations for next year. Solar water heating is definitely the most popular, most affordable way to go solar.

As 2009 comes to a close we see 2010 being a spectacular year for solar power and more specifically solar hot water. The solar tax incentives available for solar hot water systems will continue to reduce your installation costs by 50-70% and as energy prices rise, the value of  your solar water heating system goes up. Not a bad deal, huh?

The latest solar hot water technology is outstanding! We receive calls and e-mails every day from people who are totally taken back by the incredible savings they are achieving with their new solar hot water systems. In some cases people are saving 30% on their utility bills.

Many of our clients go so far as to disconnect their backup energy source and see how long they can go using no gas or electric backup energy. As it stands now, the record is 14 days on 100% solar energy! Does anyone out there want to challenge this?

In addition, we have a very exciting opportunity for people all around the country who are considering entering into the solar hot water business. If you are thinking about starting a solar hot water business, you absolutely do not want to miss this. Stay tuned as the details will be revealed shortly.

Thanks again and have an energy efficient holiday season!

Matthew Bartlett

Co-Founder- AtisSun, Inc. Happy Holidays! Maryland Solar Hot Water News

PS

It’s Not Too Late…

It’s not too late to get your solar hot water installation tax incentives filed in 2009. Our Year End Solar Hot Water Closeout will save you an additional $1,500, but you must hurry as the end of the year is approaching fast and these discounted systems will be gone soon.

The 2 Best Uses For Solar Energy In Maryland

November 7th, 2009

Maryland is a terrific place for solar energy. We are in a better location for solar energy than the top solar energy market in the world, Germany. Read more about how solar energy in Maryland compares to Germany…here

If you are starting your research into solar energy for your home, here the 2 most effective ways to utilize solar energy in Maryland.

Heating household water with solar energy.

Using solar energy in MD to heat household water is a good first steps towards more energy independence. Here is how solar hot water heaters use solar energy is used to heat water…Click on the image for the interactive video.

 The 2 Best Uses For Solar Energy In Maryland

Generate electricity with solar energy.

Maryland is a great place solar photovoltaic or solar PV panels…here is how solar energy is converted to electricity. Click on the video below.