Section 9-2007 - Solar Energy Grant Program. - Maryland Statutes

§ 9-2007. Solar Energy Grant Program.
 

(a)  Definitions.-  

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(2) "Installed electricity generation capacity" means the maximum direct current power output in watts of the array of photovoltaic modules rated under standard test condition. 

(3) "Photovoltaic property" means solar energy property with an installed electricity generation capacity of 20 kilowatts or less that uses a solar photovoltaic process to generate electricity and that meets applicable performance and quality standards and certification requirements in effect at the time of acquisition of the property, as specified by the Maryland Energy Administration. 

(4) "Program" means the Solar Energy Grant Program. 

(5) (i) "Solar energy property" means equipment that uses solar energy: 

1. to generate electricity; 

2. to heat or cool a structure or provide hot water for use in a structure; or 

3. to provide solar process heat. 

(ii) "Solar energy property" does not include a swimming pool, hot tub, or any other energy storage medium that has a function other than storage. 

(6) "Solar water heating property" means solar energy property that: 

(i) when installed in connection with a structure, uses solar energy for the purpose of providing hot water for use within the structure; and 

(ii) meets applicable performance and quality standards and certification requirements in effect at the time of acquisition of the property, as specified by the Maryland Energy Administration. 

(b)  Created.- There is a Solar Energy Grant Program in the Administration. 

(c)  Purpose.- The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to individuals, local governments, and businesses for a portion of the costs of acquiring and installing photovoltaic property and solar water heating property. 

(d)  Duties of Administration.- The Administration shall: 

(1) administer the Program; 

(2) establish application procedures for the Program; and 

(3) award grants from the Program. 

(e)  Grant.- A grant awarded under the Program may not exceed: 

(1) for photovoltaic property, the lesser of $2,500 per kilowatt of installed electricity generation capacity or $10,000; and 

(2) for solar water heating property, the lesser of $3,000 or 30% of the total installed cost of the solar water heating property. 

(f)  Adjustment of grant amounts.- Subject to the limitations in subsection (e) of this section, the Administration may adjust the grant amounts under the Program to reflect market conditions and the prevailing prices of photovoltaic property and solar water heating property. 
 

[2004, ch. 128; 2008, ch. 132, § 1.]