Maryland may soon launch its first state-funded community solar program, according to CleanTechnica. The Maryland Public Service Commission approved regulations for beginning a three-year pilot program to put more solar infrastructure in the hands of members of the community, including low or moderate income households.
The push is part of a general set of Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals, and began in 2015 with a collaboration between Earthjustice, a nonprofit specializing in environmental law, community solar groups, and players in the solar industry.
The community solar regulations are likely to be published in the next few weeks, finalized on July 8, and go into effect 10 days after publication. They would allot 60 MW (about 30 percent) of the state’s community solar allotment of 200 MW to low-to-moderate income households, as well as incentivizing businesses to develop solar projects on industrial land. The plan also takes into account individuals who live in multi-family buildings or who rent the buildings in which they live. Specifically, it will “allow renters to contract for solar energy with the same benefits as rooftop owners.”
In community shared solar programs, renters or other customers unable to install solar on a residence they own can receive a share of electricity generated by a public solar project.
“This pilot program will implement the General Assembly’s desire to increase access to solar electricity for all Maryland ratepayers, especially low and moderate income customers,” said Public Service Commission chairman W. Kevin Hughes.
The plan also includes protection for customers against “unreasonable fees” and puts contract disclosure requirements in place.
Data will be gathered from solar development over the proposed three-year program for use by the commission in future efforts.