MD Law Encourages Big Box Stores To Go Solar

Among the 191 new state laws that take effect in the state of Maryland today, the effects of one may not be seen for a few years. Make no mistake, however. Its sponsor believes the law could serve as a national model and could reduce the cost of electricity, as traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas become more expensive.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed Senate Bill 595, which modifies the state’s renewable energy requirement to include a minimum percentage of solar power, starting at 0.005 percent of retail electricity sales in 2008 and increasing to 2 percent of electricity sales by 2022. The law is designed to encourage the use of solar panels by big box stores such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot.

From the Baltimore Sun:

Laws that promote energy efficiency and alternative sources such as solar power go into effect today, along with protections for the state’s most famous reptile, the diamondback terrapin, and its less cute cousin, the snapping turtle.

“You can’t underestimate the power of global warming as a driving issue right now,” said Cindy Schwartz, executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. “All across the board, there’s just a heightened awareness that the environment is something that matters to Marylanders.”

One of the new laws is designed to encourage the use of solar panels, particularly on the roofs of big-box stores such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The law requires utilities to purchase a small but increasing percentage of their power from solar providers, helping guarantee that the businesses can recoup their investments if they install solar panels.

“It’s going to make solar energy a huge component of our electric portfolio in Maryland,” said Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, a Montgomery County Democrat who sponsored the bill.

If the law succeeds, Garagiola said, it could reduce the number of new power plants needed in the state or the amount of electricity imported from elsewhere.

Garagiola said the law could serve as a national model and could reduce the cost of electricity, as traditional sources such as coal and natural gas become more expensive.

However, members of both parties worried it could, at least in the short term, force higher rates on consumers reeling from huge increases in the cost of energy.

Recent public opinion polls suggest that utilizing sources of renewable energy is an overwhelmingly popular issue. 84% of voters in Texas, 87% in Arizona, and 90% of voters in Florida think their state should pursue investment in solar energy.

You can find more information about bringing solar energy into the mainstream here.

Posted by Corey Himrod on Monday, July 02, 2007