Maryland Expands RPS: 1,500 MW Solar by 2022

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=48102

With solar corporations like BP Solar and Sun Edison already headquartered in the state, the passage of legislation earlier this week requiring the development of 1,500 megawatts (MW) of solar energy by 2022 puts Maryland in the "upper echelon" of solar-supporting states in the U.S. In addition, the bill raises the net metering cap from 200 kilowatts (kW) to 2 MW.

"Nationally it ranks just behind New Jersey on a per capita basis. If you think about population, this bill is really phenomenal. Maryland's target is half of California's but only has one sixth the population, so that says a lot about how significant the program is," said JP Ross, policy director for the Vote Solar Initiative.

The bill, H.B. 1016/S.B. 595, amending Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), was voted through the General Assembly on Monday despite a number of last-minute attempts to halt its passage.

"We got overwhelming support from Maryland activists. There were over 1,000 emails sent into the legislature in support of passing the RPS bill and that was met with success -- the bill passed the House and Senate with an overwhelming margin," said Ross.

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[deepthought42]

1. Woot! I love my state. :-) n/t

[seemunkee]

2. Is this going to mean more tax incentives to home owners?

I've been thinking of adding some solar panels to my house.