Solar panels to top ‘green’ measures at governor’s mansion
By Laura Smitherman and Meredith Cohn Baltimore Sun reporters
August 6, 2009

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Mark Bartlett, owner of AtisSun Inc., which installs solar panels, said he was thrilled at the idea of the panels being installed on Government House – and hopes that it encourages even more residents to do the same. “It’s fabulous, a great message,” he said.

More residents have warmed to the idea, especially as state and federal incentives can offset the cost of a typical residential solar thermal system by 60 percent. The solar program in Maryland has become so popular that the state ran out of money last year and had to put hundreds of people on a wait list.

“Forget cash for clunkers, this is cash for water,” Bartlett said. “It’s really a win-win. Homeowners save money, and the average house reduces its C02 emission by 2,000 pounds a year.”