The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) recently increased funding to $1.45 million for a solar-energy incentive program for commercial buildings.

Marylanders now can qualify for a rebate of $500 per kilowatt of capacity installed for solar-photovoltaic systems between 20 and 100 KW in size, up to $50,000 per grant. Marylanders can also apply for grants for solar hot water systems, aka solar thermal, and qualify for 15% of the system cost up to $25,000 per grant.

Some restrictions do apply. If your organization would like to investigate the viability of a Maryland solar-panel installation, contact us for a free solar evaluation.

The update to the state's Mid-Sized Solar Energy Grant Program came March 25. The mid-size solar grants in this commercial program are available to available to businesses and non-profits who intend to install qualified solar photovoltaic or solar hot water systems between now and the end of October 2010.

The state incentives, combined with federal solar incentives, can reduce the cost of a solar panel installation by almost 50 percent.

(Photo from engelcox's photostream)