ZTA 20-01, passed in February 2021 has opened the Ag Reserve for solar energy generation in a way that balances the zone's protection for farming. Opportunities to cover a farms energy needs have now been expanded (farms can now generate up to 200% of their needs and get a credit for the extra) and new large scale community solar projects up to 2 megawatts can now move forward on Class III and above soils. More Maryland Counites are releasing planning documents that prioritize the built environment and other optimal sites for solar arrays that keep farmland and forests protected - (from the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership.)
To assist Reserve residents and farmers with navigating these new opportunities and increasing renewable energy development, MCA has put together a survey to assess current renewable generation and identify the questions residents have about producing power for themselves and/or community solar projects. Please take the survey that applies to you below (The State defines "Farms" as a property where the owner can generate at least $2,500 per year in gross sales of agricultural products). You can also browse the resources we have gathered below (one to add? - info@mocoalliance.org)
Resources for Farms
- REAP Grants (Rural Energy for America Program) - A USDA program that offers grants and loans to agricultural producers to do energy improvements and install renewable energy generation, solar is not the only energy generation covered.
- MARBIDCO Rural Businesses Energy Efficiency Loan Fund
Resources for Businesses
Resources for All (Including Residents)
- MoCo DEP Solar Permitting and Install Processing
- All Maryland/Federal Tax Incentives from DSIRE/NC State Center for Clean Energy
- MoCo Green Bank - Residential and Commercial A County charted non-profit offering flexible and low cost financing for solar installations, geothermal and efficiency upgrades for commercial and residential customers.
- Solar Energy Calculator - Enter your address and get a rooftop solar savings payoff schedule and opportunity to get quotes from installers
- Guide to Land Leases for Solar – This SEIA guide helps landowners understand the opportunities and implications of leasing their property for solar installations
- Landowner Considerations for Solar Land Leases – This PDF from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) examines what to consider when leasing your property for community solar projects.
Recommendations from Residents in our Survey:
Solar: Solair LLC
Geothermal: Easterday Well and Geothermal services
North American Geothermal
Solar: Solair LLC
Geothermal: Easterday Well and Geothermal services
North American Geothermal
