Understanding Maine’s Solar Potential
People are always asking, Is there really enough sun in Maine for solar to offset my energy needs?
The answer is absolutely yes! Here’s why…
Insolation is the amount of solar energy hitting the earth’s surface and is measured in kW-hr/m2/day. The National Renewable Energy Lab has assembled worldwide insolation data to learn how much sun falls in a particular location so that one can draw a reasonably accurate conclusion as to the amount of solar energy that can be harvested on an annual basis. Below is an insolation map that has been cropped to show the relationship between Maine’s insolation versus eastern Europe’s.
Germany is the world leader when it comes to solar, yet Maine receives more sun!
Maine receives significantly more annual sunshine than Germany, the world leader in solar energy installations, yet is far behind to implement available renewable technology.
Germany has a powerful government incentive program that financially rewards people and businesses who invest in renewable energy. The ‘Feed-in Tariff’ law requires utilities to pay a premium to any home or business that generates clean renewable energy
The great news is that Feed-in Tariff legislation is currently under consideration in Maine. To support this legislation contact your local representative or senator and say that you support the Maine Renewable Energy Sources Act.
Although the US is generally far behind Europe in terms of renewable energy, we are seeing some hopeful signs of momentum building in favor of sustainable energy sources.
Currently, there is a 30% federal tax credit available for solar hot water and solar electric systems. In some states, like California, New Jersey, and Connecticut, there is also a sizable state rebate to help defray the upfront costs of a renewable energy investment. We are hopeful that Maine will be able to jump start its suspended rebate program in the near future with recent stimulus money (UPDATE: A $1000 state rebate is now available for solar hot water, and a $2000 rebate is available for solar power, thanks to Efficiency Maine)
Tags: feed in tariff, maine, Solar Power
