Annapolis Energy Zone Program Makes Solar Installations Easy
Last week, we took a look at San Diego’s revolutionary solar plan, which will allow residents to pay for solar panels through property tax bills over a 20 year period. But don’t pack your bags for Southern California just yet. Annapolis, MD has a similar plan , dubbed the Annapolis (EZ) Energy Zone Program.
Like the San Diego plan, the EZ Program offers tax-exempt, low-interest rate loans courtesy of th Chamber of Commerce Foundation to city residents who buy energy efficient equipment (i.e. solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, high-efficiency windows). The loans are paid back through resident’ property tax bills. When a property is sold, the new homeowners take on the loan–so when you move, you don’t have to keep paying for your old home’s solar panels. The Maryland Energy Administration will even conduct energy efficiency audits and give homeowners a list of certified contractors who can install energy-efficiency equipment.
In the past, Annapolis homeowners have been discouraged by solar panels’ 10 year payback period. But the new program is much more attractive since costs can be transferred between homeowners. Maryland’s program begins next November. Don’t be surprised if you see similar municpial solar financing programs in even more cities between now and then.
Photo CC Licensed by Flickr User fmorgen
First, I would like to compliment Ariel Schwartz on her knowledge of available energy programs, and on getting the word out about them.
My name is Lotte Weaver. I am working with the City of Annapolis, the Chamber Foundation and local banks on making Annapolis EZ (Energy Zone) a reality. Annapolis EZ will be launched in Annapolis in May as a pilot program, taking on approximately 90 projects within the first phase of the program. We are currently working on taking the program state-wide.
The first step of Annapolis EZ is to get an energy audit from a certified Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. This audit will show property owners which improvements and installations will save them the most energy. While we are of course great believers in solar panels, we have found that there are often several energy conservation steps a property owner can take to save a energy that are not nearly as expensive as installing solar panels. These include; sealing air leaks and adding insulation; improving ductwork; improving home heating and cooling systems; and upgrading to an energy and water-efficient hot water heating system. Depending on the current state of the property, these energy conservation improvements can save a property owner between 10% to 50% on their energy bill.
Annapolis is the first City in the US to have passed the legislation that does not only include renewable energy installations, but also energy conservation solutions.
Based on the energy audit, we often recommend that property owners improve the condition of their properties before they add renewable energy solutions - such as solar panels. Energy conservation projects often run around $5000 - depending on the property - which is a small investment compared to that of solar panels, and which will allow property owners who need to see real cuts in their budgets to reduce their bills - even after paying back the loan payment for the improvements.
Once the property is well zealed, we recommend going full speed with adding solar panels.
For more information on this program, you can cantact me on Lotte@EdisonWright.com
Pay attention Governor Schwartzenegger. California should be leading at the state level!!
Also: If the Federal Government merely insured these municipal bonds it would unleash huge amounts of capital investment. Investors would knock down the doors to buy federally-insured environmentally-sensitive AAA bonds!
This is the type of program that should be available throughout the country. Spreading out the cost, and building it into the future tax payments, allows the homeowner to go green while not taking a loss when they move - a brilliant concept!
I wish we had this sort of initiative in England. We are years behind on solar energy.
JP Plumbing & Solar Hot Water installed a solar thermal hot water system at Crummwell Ave in Annapolis in April of 2008. We have twelve monthes of their BG&E bill showing a 25% reduction in electrity. This was a savings of $1,200.00 in the first year. We have expanded our services to include installation of both Schuco and Oventrop Solar Thermal Systems in the Annapolis area.