Tag Archive: solar
How to Finance Solar for Common Ownership Communities
On October 20 at 6:30 pm the Montgomery County Green Bank and the Commission on Common Ownership Communities are delivering a webinar on solar PV to homeowners in Home Owner Association (HOA) communities. The webinar will help homeowners understand how solar PV works, how a system can be designed for a home in an HOA, and thePathways to Success: A guide to solar installation setback requirements
Join Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services on Thursday October 15th to learn about the new solar setback requirements in the 2018 International Residential Code. Meet Tyler Mosman, DPS’s senior engineer, who will be discussing Montgomery County’s interpretation of pathways as well as identifying common reasons residential solar plans are held up in permit review.National Solar Congress
Solar United Neighbors has hosted state congresses throughout the country. Now, we’re excited to bring together solar experts and supporters from across the nation for the first National Solar Congress. Virtual sessions will cover topics including how to go solar and what to do once you have solar, how to advocate for solar policies, the
National Solar Tour
The National Solar Tour is the largest grassroots renewable energy event in the nation and this year we’re going virtual! The National Solar Tour brings together hundreds of solar home and business owners, schools, community organizations, farms, and more. They’ll share with you their solar stories and you will get to connect, ask and answerDrive into the SUN Movie Screening
Looking for a fun way to get out of the house and be socially distanced while doing good for your community? Grab your snack of choice and learn more about clean energy and the solar movement from the comfort of your own car! Come together with solar supporters from around the county to watch the
Yelp’s Solar Happy Hour KIT @ Miscellaneous Distillery
Yelp KITs are available for purchase directly from the businesses below from August 10th – October 5th 2020, and many are even paired with Yelp virtual events for pro tutelage and Q&As with the biz owner! In this event, three different signature locally distilled liquors are packaged in this KIT in addition to a sweet
ARTINA 2020: LIGHT: A Sculptural Solar Dance
Have you visited Silver Spring Museum lately? Sandy Spring Museum was founded in 1981 when a group of residents led by Delmas Wood, an insurance salesman and auctioneer, noted that the community’s history was being sold off with every passing of a long-time resident. At Sandy Spring Museum, it’s all about the community. Everything theySolar in Your Community
Join Solar United Neighbors, Bowie State University, Grid Alternatives, Morgan State University, MDV-SEIA, Community Development Action Coalition, and the NAACP for a webinar about equitable solar. Sign up today and learn how you can benefit from solar power. Register here: https://naacpheadquarters.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JXT9Ki4GRKKVP_sfgXX9rw?_x_zm_rtaid=y6_4TvitRy-uIbPrNdVnDw.1597161747076.df7e924bfda227d8afff51ea277d60ba&_x_zm_rhtaid=82
4th Solar Co-op Solar Installer Chosen!!!
For the third year in a row, Montgomery County 4th Solar Co-Op members chose Solar Energy World as their solar installer through an open and competitive bidding process. Solar Energy World is a top rated residential solar installation company which ensures co-op participants will be able to leverage bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and preferred financing
#ShowUsYourSolar
Do you have solar panels on your roof? Or your garage? Or in your yard? Or on your business? If so, #SHOWUSYOURSOLAR!!! As we celebrate the 4th Solar Co-op in Montgomery County, we also want to celebrate all of the residents and small businesses in the County that have invested in solar energy. #ShowUsYourSolar Our
Partners in Energy: Kimberly Armstrong
At DEP, we truly believe that our partners are key to making Montgomery County as green as it can be. This series profiles a local leader, advocate, or trailblazer who is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and helping the county realize its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035.Community Solar Basics: Project Development (Episode 3 of 3)
This is the third in a 3-part series on Community Solar Basics. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5jSLGMJVQXyUOHcUWTxadg Community solar offers the benefit of solar to those who can’t, or prefer not to, install solar panels on their homes. It enable individuals, businesses, or organizations to purchase or subscribe to “share” in a community solar project. If youCommunity Solar Policy & Programs
This is the second in a 3-part series on Community Solar Basics. Community solar offers the benefit of solar to those who can’t, or prefer not to, install solar panels on their homes. It enable individuals, businesses, or organizations to purchase or subscribe to “share” in a community solar project. If you join a community
Announcing the 4th Solar Co-op!!!
Go Solar and Get EV Chargers with the 4th Solar Co-op! This is the 4th year that Montgomery County has partnered to work with Solar United Neighbors to bring residents (and small businesses) an opportunity to put solar panels on their homes. This year we are also offering EV charging! So you can put solarFinancing Your Solar Project with the Green Bank hosted by Solar United Neighbors
Find out more about the new Clean Energy Advantage (CEA) Program from the Montgomery Green Bank and how you can finance your solar panel and electric vehicle charging station. You will also learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. This presentation will take you through the technology, economics, financing,BYOL: Know Your Solar Rights with Office of Consumer Protection and Solar United Neighbors
BYOL: Bring Your Own Lunch as we hear from two investigators with the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection to hear about common solar questions they hear in the field. We will also hear from Solar United Neighbors as they talk about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. They willOMG for our first Virtual Green Drinks Happy Hour
Just because we are virtual doesn’t mean we can’t network with like-minded and enjoy good food and drink. We have special offerings from our preferred partners — local eatery Plnt Burger and Astrolab Brewing (see info in registration). Registrants are encouraged to purchase a meal and or beer/wine from one of these partners. Use special codeMontgomery County Solar Happy Hour & Solar Co-op Info Session
Grab a drink, head to your computer (or phone!), and join us to learn about solar energy! If you register for this Happy Hour, by Monday, May 11th, six participants will receive a four or six pack from one of these local breweries: 7 Locks Brewing, Astro Lab, Saints Row, Silver Branch Brewing, True Respite,Solar 101 Lunch & Learn | Montgomery County Solar & EV Charger Co-op Launch
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home or small business. We’ll take you through the technology, economics, financing, and more. Register today You’ll also learn about the solar co-op we’re launching in Montgomery County. The co-op is free to join and members are *not* obligated to buy solar panels. Co-op members get:Solar Energy World to host Earth Day Solar Webinar
Due to the COVID-19 virus, Solar Energy World is hosting their annual Earth Day Solar 101 Workshop online. This event is by sign up only and is open to all homeowners. Wyatt Everhart, former ABC meteorologist, will teach homeowners the environmental benefits of going solar, how solar power works, the basics about tax credits andSolar Energy World to host Earth Day Solar Webinar
Due to the COVID-19 virus, Solar Energy World is hosting their annual Earth Day Solar 101 Workshop online. This event is by sign up only and is open to all homeowners. Wyatt Everhart, former ABC meteorologist, will teach homeowners the environmental benefits of going solar, how solar power works, the basics about tax credits and
Solar for a Vintage, Multifamily High-Rise: A Tower Companies Case Study
Commercial building owners of older properties may feel challenged when it comes to making energy efficiency improvements and adding renewable energy to their buildings. When most of us picture green buildings, we think of new, gleaming structures with all the latest technology. The fact is, though, the greenest building is one that is already builtNational Solar Tour
On October 5 & 6, 2019 and the surrounding weekends, hundreds of people who have gone solar across the nation will open their homes and businesses to engage their communities around the power of solar energy. 2019 National Solar Tour stats 854 individual solar open houses 79 locally-organized multisite solar tours 46 states with solar open houses and local toursSolar Co-op Informational Session
Join us this year for the 3rd Montgomery County Solar Co-op. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to switch to clean energy, meet other residents who are also interested in investing in solar, and reduce your electricity bills tremendously! This year’s Solar Co-op is a collaborative effort between Montgomery County’s Department of
Buying green electricity for your home
An important way to combat climate change is to switch our electricity supply to “green” electricity (generated from wind- and solar-powered sources, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide). Electricity generation is the single largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Electricity sold by Pepco in Maryland in 2018 was generated mostly by coal
Solar Co-op installer selected!
The LOWEST BID ever!!! The Montgomery County Solar Co-op is excited to announce that Solar Energy World has been officially selected as the co-op’s installer. The co-op used a competitive bidding process to solicit bids from area installers. A selection committee made up of co-op participants then met to review the proposals and select the
Pike & Rose: A Sustainable Neighborhood in North Bethesda
Long gone is the Toys R Us with its sprawling parking lot and scattered shopping carts. In its place is a modern-day paradise, complete with retail, offices, restaurants, apartments, a hotel, parking, and a movie theater—and the list goes on. Nestled between Rockville Pike and Montrose Parkway lies this pioneering development, and it’s name is
Ribbon-cutting for Fitzgerald Auto Mall’s Solar Array in Gaithersburg
Fitzgerald Auto Mall, a car dealership originally founded in North Bethesda, MD , is extensively devoted to sustainable practice and proves so through their recycling commitments and their use of green power. In addition to their promise to recycle 80% of the solid waste generated at each of their facilities, Fitzgerald Auto Mall was recently recognized
Common utility billing questions for new solar homeowners
This article was originally published in December 2016 by Ben Delman with Solar United Neighbors — which is still relevant today, especially if you’re participating in Montgomery County’s 3rd Solar Co-op! Receiving the first utility bill after a solar system is switched on is an exciting moment. From that first bill onward, solar homeowners are a different kind
Third time is a charm! Join the Third Countywide Solar Co-op today!
Join us this year for the 3rd Montgomery County Solar Co-op. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to switch to clean energy, meet other residents who are also interested in investing in solar, and reduce your electricity bills tremendously! This year’s Solar Co-op is a collaborative effort between Montgomery County’s Department of
What you should consider when adding battery storage
The following blog was reposted with permission from Solar United Neighbors: One of the most common questions we receive is “how can I add battery storage to my solar array?” Adding battery back up to your home can seem like a daunting challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a free guide to battery storage for homeowners. It
Solar-Powered Scholarship: Montgomery County Public School projects let the sunshine in
How does the largest school district in Maryland reduce its environmental impact and associated costs across 134 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, 26 high schools (including one for career and technology), an alternative program, and five special program centers for its 163,123 students? The answer, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) found, was just beyond the
Leading the Way: County activates two advanced microgrids
On October 24, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett announced the official activation of two advanced microgrids for its Public Safety Headquarters (PSHQ) in Gaithersburg and Correctional Facility in Boyds. The microgrids are on-site clean power generation systems, which permit both facilities to operate independently from the power grid to ensure continuity of operations in the
Buying green electricity for your home
An important way to combat global warming is to switch our electricity supply to “green” electricity (generated from wind- and solar-powered sources, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide). Electricity generation is the single largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Electricity sold by Pepco in Maryland in 2017 was generated mostly by coal
Community Solar is now available for Marylanders
Montgomery County residents finally have the chance to take part in the new Maryland community solar program and be part of the newest, most innovative solar industry development. Community solar was initially authorized by legislation in 2015, and it took several years for projects to become available. It’s a great way for people to support
Seeking Solar: Homeowners turn to the sun for an energy assist
Easier to install than ever, solar power is proving to be a go-to for homeowners looking to reduce electricity costs as well as their greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power is arguably the cleanest and most reliable form of renewable energy available. As a result, many Montgomery County residents are considering it to help power their homes.
Go solar! Join the second County-wide Solar Co-op
Montgomery County residents are invited to joined the second County-wide Solar Co-op. Why join a Co-op? Co-op members leverage bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and a quality installation, while still signing individual contracts that ensure the right system for your home. This means you can save money, get support through the entire process, and
Montgomery County facilities are moving towards energy independence
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, celebrated the completion of the largest solar project at a County facility to date. Solar and other advanced energy technologies on County facilities provide energy independence, environmental protection, and cost savings. “Montgomery County is making significant strides toward energy independence by generating clean, local,
Getting on the “Energy Express” with Montgomery County Public Libraries this summer
This summer, DEP is partnering with Montgomery County Libraries to help kids “Build a Better World/Construye un Mundo Mejor.” Every summer there is a different theme for the summer reading program and this year, we are trying to get kids to think about switching to renewable energy as one way to build a better world.
One family’s story of making home renovations more energy efficient
Our family moved from central Pennsylvania to Montgomery County in 1998. Like many relocating families, our first priorities were access to work and schools, not energy efficiency. Our new house In Montgomery County was built in 1958 and is described as a back-to-front split level. The entrance to the house is at the level of
Too good to be true: Know your consumer rights about solar energy
Most solar energy installers are skilled and effective professionals. But if problems arise, Montgomery County residents have a strong ally on their side. When it comes to preventing problems between businesses and the people they serve, Montgomery County is proud to have a strong track record. The County’s Office of Consumer Protection or OCP is
Celebrating the success of the first Countywide solar co-op
In MD SUN‘s first attempt at creating a county-wide solar co-op, the Montgomery County Solar Co-op made history. It is the largest single co-op in the Community Power Network! Congratulations to the 90 people who joined the Co-op, MD Sun and all the partners! Meet with Co-Op Team The Montgomery County Solar Co-op kicked off
County resident makes green upgrades part of retirement preparation
When Tom Ripp began planning his retirement, he didn’t start with stocks or bonds or downsizing. He started with sustainability. For this 55-year-old Gaithersburg resident, who currently works part-time as a chemical engineer with the Environmental Protection Agency, major energy upgrades made his home more financially and environmentally sustainable. When Ripp sold some stock from
Solar energy technology, demystified
DEP’s Energy Intern Miles Braxton dives into the nuts and bolts about how solar photovoltaic (PV) panels collect energy from the sun and convert it to electricity. Why renewables? Renewable energy has been gaining traction in recent years because more and more people are seeing the environmental impacts of using fossil fuels like coal
In Maryland, switching to green power is like flipping a switch
The idea—use green energy—is simple. The process is a little more complex. But it’s not as hard as it might seem. There are plenty of resources—all of them free of charge or close to it—that can guide Montgomery County residents through a switch from dirty power to clean power in their home or business. You
Join the Montgomery County Solar Co-op!
Montgomery County residents are invited to joined the first County-wide solar co-op. Participants can save money and make going solar easier, and at the same time increase the network of solar supporters. The deadline for participation is September 30, 2016, don’t miss it. If you are ready to participate, you can sign up now on the MD
Want to go solar? One resident examines the options
On February 15th, 2016, fellow co-op members Thomas Wellems and Marilyn Powell (pictured in the image above) became the 27th household of the Rockville Solar Co-op to see electricity generated from the sun via rooftop solar panels powering their home. Since then 10 members have also been connected, and others are in the queue for panel installation and grid hookup.
Silver Spring Civic Building brings community engagement to sustainability
A civic building is more than just a place to hold meetings. In Silver Spring, it means a chance to demonstrate values and sustainable living. Green Silver Spring The Silver Spring Civic Building (SSCB) has recently undergone a host of changes and upgrades to make it greener and more attractive to users, visitors, and citizens
