Renewable Energy in Maryland [2024 Guide]

Renewable energy is taking center stage in Maryland's efforts to build a cleaner and more sustainable future. The state has set an ambitious target of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030, and Maryland leaders are working tirelessly to make this goal a reality.

Maryland has made significant progress in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. However, the work is far from done. Maryland must continue to push toward renewable energy adoption to achieve its ambitious targets. In this article, we will explore Maryland's renewable energy landscape, the benefits of renewable energy, and the challenges that must be overcome to make the transition to cleaner energy sources. We will also discuss the financial incentives available to Maryland residents who switch to renewable energy, including the options available for those interested in using solar power.

By examining the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting renewable energy sources, we hope to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of renewable energy in Maryland and its potential for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Benefits of Renewable Energy in Maryland

Renewable energy has many benefits for Maryland, including reduced carbon emissions, job creation in the renewable energy sector, and potential impact on the state's economy.

Renewable energy helps Maryland reduce its carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. By generating electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar, Maryland can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Renewable energy sources produce far fewer emissions than traditional sources like coal and natural gas, making them a cleaner and more sustainable choice for the environment.

Renewable energy can also create job opportunities in the renewable energy sector in Maryland. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the renewable energy sector is expected to grow at a faster rate than the average for all occupations in the coming years. 

Lastly, investing in renewable energy can have a positive impact on Maryland's economy. By becoming a leader in the renewable energy industry, Maryland can attract new businesses and investments to the state. This can lead to economic growth and job creation in other sectors as well, further contributing to the state's economic prosperity.

Maryland Energy Mix: How Much Is Renewable?

Maryland's energy mix is currently heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with natural gas and coal accounting for a large share of the state's energy mix. As of 2021, clean energy sources like wind and solar account for 3% of Maryland's net electricity generation, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, the state is making significant progress in increasing the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar to generate electricity.

Maryland's successful solar projects in Baltimore, wind energy projects on the Eastern Shore, and geothermal projects in Montgomery County are great examples of Maryland's renewable energy success stories. These efforts, along with the construction of several large-scale wind energy projects in the western Appalachian Mountain crests and two major wind projects in development off Maryland's Atlantic coastline, showcase the state's commitment to renewable energy.

Solar Energy in Maryland

Solar energy is a key component of Maryland's renewable energy mix. Maryland has set a goal of an in-state solar energy share of 14.5% by 2030.

One of the largest solar facilities in Maryland is located on the Eastern Shore, with a generating capacity of 75 megawatts. The solar facility is owned by Origis Energy, a solar developer and financier based in Florida. Additionally, Baltimore is home to a number of solar projects, including the 1.3-megawatt solar array on the roof of the Maryland Science Center and a 2.6-megawatt solar farm at the East Baltimore Biopark.

Maryland’s Renewable Energy Goals

Maryland has set its sights on ambitious renewable energy goals. To achieve these goals, Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard mandates that 50% of electricity retail sales come from renewable sources by 2030. The state has also mandated that 14.5% of electricity retail sales must come from solar power by the same year. Maryland is also prioritizing offshore wind power, aiming to generate 400 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2026, with plans to increase capacity to at least 1,200 megawatts by 2030. 

The state has set an even more ambitious target of using 100% renewable energy by 2040. While this may seem like a daunting target, Maryland's progress so far has been impressive. With a combination of targets for renewable energy adoption, offshore wind power, and greenhouse gas reductions, the state is making significant strides towards a more sustainable future.

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Average Electric Bill in Maryland

As of August 2024, the average electric bill in Maryland is around $230 per month, which adds up to $2,760 per year. On average, electricity rates in Maryland cost 18 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). 

Maryland Renewable Energy Tax Credits, Grants, and Rebates

Maryland offers various tax credits, grants, and rebates to residents who switch to renewable energy sources. These incentives aim to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt renewable energy and help Maryland achieve its renewable energy goals. Some of the available programs are:

1. Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): The RPS program requires utility companies to generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. Maryland's RPS target is 50% renewable energy by 2030.

2. Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): SRECs are tradable certificates that represent the environmental benefits of generating one megawatt-hour of electricity from solar energy. Maryland residents who install solar panels can earn SRECs and sell them to utility companies.

3. Net Metering: Net metering allows residents with renewable energy systems to sell excess electricity back to the grid, offsetting their energy bills.

4. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE): PACE financing allows property owners to finance renewable energy projects through their property tax bill.

5. Maryland also offers various tax credits and rebates for renewable energy installations, including the Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program and the Commercial Clean Energy Rebate Program.

How You Can Choose Renewable Energy in Maryland

CleanChoice Energy is a renewable energy supplier offering services to customers in Maryland. By choosing CleanChoice Energy as their electricity supplier, customers in BGE, Delmarva, Potomac Edison, PEPCO, and SMECO territories in Maryland can play a role in reducing our collective dependence on traditional, non-renewable energy sources. CleanChoice Energy is dedicated to making the switch to clean, pollution-free energy easy and accessible for customers in Maryland. Learn more about how easy it is to choose cleaner energy today and be a part of Maryland’s green revolution.

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¹Typical default utility energy mix for customers in MD. Source: www.eia.gov, 2021 "Electric power industry generation by primary energy source." CleanChoice Energy has high standards for defining "clean" energy. While nuclear and hydro do not emit greenhouse gasses, generation from these sources have other negative environmental consequences.