Ready for Renewable Energy: Solar and Wind Make Gains in Maryland

July 9, 2015 Written by  Comments Print
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Renewable energy is a big buzzword these days, but do you know how much of your energy is coming from renewable sources? As of right now, not too much, but it won't be long before renewable energy becomes a lot more prevalent in Maryland. Learn about some of the initiatives the state is taking to bring more renewables online, in our blog.

Ready for Renewable Energy in Maryland

 

Where do we stand? Where are we going?

In 2010, the state set an ambitious goal of generating 20% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2022. And while in 2013, just 6.9% of our energy came from renewables, that number is expected to jump to 13% this year, with more than 13,000 renewable systems installed in the state.

 

How are we getting there?

The state is implementing a number of initiatives designed to spur the growth of renewable energy production. Tax credits are being extended to utilities, multifamily housing owners, and individual homeowners for installing solar, geothermal, wind, and other renewable energy equipment. Plus, Maryland is investing in large-scale renewable projects such as an offshore wind farm. Lets talk about a few examples of areas where Maryland is making progress on renewables.

Offshore Wind Farm

Right now, research vessels are probing the seabed 12 miles off the coast of Ocean City to find a suitable location for a wind farm. The first phase of the project would include 68 turbines that would generate 500 megawatts of electricity. For comparison, the average coal plant is about 600 megawatts in size, meaning this project would nearly match the production capabilities of a coal-fired plant in its first phase alone.

The project is still in the developmental phase, but it has already been awarded a federal lease for further development. An operational blueprint is tentatively expected in 2017. In addition to the clean energy it would generate, the project also could spur the development of Maryland as a new hub for wind energy in the U.S., says the Baltimore Sun.

Solar Skyrockets

Solar energy production has jumped tremendously in Maryland over the past decade. In 2006, the state's solar production was negligible, at 0.1 megawatt. But as of June, solar is producing 273 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 30,000 homes. Not only that, but Maryland “recently set a record by increasing new solar capacity by 174 percent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014,” says the Capital Gazette.

 

Are you interested in solar energy for your home?

Have you thought about installing solar panels on your home? GreeNEWit and our partner Clearly Energy can help. Check out our renewables page to learn more, or contact us today at 866.994.7639. You too can be a part of Maryland's push for cleaner energy!

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