Maryland’s Residential & Commercial-Scale Solar Projects to Get A Boost With US State’s Senate Bill 783

The Maryland General Assembly in the US has given its seal of approval to the solar-friendly Senate Bill 783, also known as the Brighter Tomorrow Act, and has sent it to Governor Wes Moore’s desk to be signed into law. The State of Maryland aims to reach 100% clean energy by 2035.

According to the Chesapeake Solar and Storage Association (CHESSA), the Brighter Tomorrow Act, also known as Senate Bill 783, will bring about the following changes:

1. It will make it easier for electric suppliers to meet their solar targets by increasing the compliance value for energy generated from certain types of new solar projects, including residential and commercial-scale projects, in the state’s RPS. This is expected to spur increased development of various types of local solar.
2. The bill will increase energy equity in Maryland by establishing a residential solar grant program, to be administered by the Maryland Energy Administration. This program will enable low- and moderate-income households to receive grants of up to $7,500 for adopting solar.
3. It will facilitate the adoption of automated, digital solar permitting software for Maryland local governments, aimed at improving efficiency, lowering solar installation costs, and preparing Maryland communities to help more families adopt solar.

Additionally, the bill directs the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish a Small Solar Energy Generating Incentive Program, with the eligibility of solar projects to be certified by January 1, 2025.

CHESSA states that Maryland aims to deploy solar equal to 14.5% of its electricity demand by 2030 but has only managed to meet 55% of the policy’s intermediate 2022 target. CHESSA Executive Director Robin Dutta believes that this bill will boost solar installations across the state, calling it one of the most significant solar bills to pass in years.

"The Brighter Tomorrow Act (BTA) will increase the adoption of clean energy in Maryland, while making rooftop solar more affordable for low- and moderate-income Marylanders," said Ed Merrick, President of the Maryland Rooftop Solar Coalition (MRSC). "Rooftop solar is an economic, public health, and clean energy driver in the state, and the BTA will ensure that more of it is installed in Maryland."

Source: Taiyang news