Solar Resources for Montgomery County

Renewable energy must be part of our response to climate change. In our region, solar is the most practical renewable energy generation solution. MCA was proud to lead a coalition of farmers, civic groups and environmentalists to pass provisions for responsibly siting solar in the Ag Reserve. Deciding to go solar on your residential, commercial or agricultural property is a big decision and it can be hard to know where to start. We have gathered the following resources to clarify the process. We are also co-hosting webinars to answer the questions of each type of property owner. 
Solar Webinars (recordings available) 
​
Roof Mounted Solar for Residences and Businesses (May 2021)
Solar Options for Farm Businesses: Part 1 - Accessory Solar (January 24, 2022)
Solar Options for Farm Businesses: Part 2 - Community Solar ( 5/22/23 RSVP/ Recording ) 
(read on for an explainer on the difference between Accessory and Community Solar)
Special thanks to our webinar co-hosts the Montgomery County Green Bank and Montgomery County Office of Agriculture

Resources By Property Type:

Homeowners
Businesses/Multi-Family Residences
Farms 
Community Solar vs. Accessory Solar:
  •  Accessory Solar: a solar array is installed to meet more than the current power needs of a business.  The business' electric meter runs in reverse when they are producing power above their needs and starts running forward when their panels are not meeting their energy demand. The business is reimbursed with wholesale energy credits at the end of the year if there is a surplus of energy. Recent Montgomery County zoning changes now allow Ag Reserve farms to install accessory solar up to 200% of their needs. Check out our webinar to learn more.
  • Community Solar: a large array is installed (could be rooftop or ground mounted) and customers of the same power utility subscribe to purchase the power created by the large array. Community solar programs are most beneficial when subscriptions are offered to low income residents to lock in stable power rates. Community solar allows residents who can't put solar on their roofs to support solar power. Residents can find community solar projects here.

More on Solar in Montgomery County