Installation Pictures From The Sky: MSSI Installation in Dickerson, Maryland

As part of our continuing “Installation Pictures From the Sky” series; we’re sharing all of our new aerial photos we’re taking of previous installs. Ooolala, solar!

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In 2015 a retiree came to us wishing to help the environment and lower her power bills. Pleased with the size of her 5.38 kW system and how much money it saves her we’re happy to report that since installing in June of 2015, this system has generated 10.79 Megawatt hours of energy or 10,790 kilowatts of energy!  In total thus far, this system has saved 16,39.70 lbs of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, which is equivalent to 420 trees! We got it just right!

 

Federal Court Affirms Social Cost of Carbon

Supreme Court Affirms The Social Cost of Carbon

US Supreme Court

Good news in the fight against climate change was granted by the Supreme Court this week! The Court ruled against a suit brought by a trade group representing refrigerator manufacturers who were suing the government for its use of the “social cost of carbon” in determining efficiency standards. In effect, the $36 per person calculation determined by a consortium of bureaucrats working in concert with academic economists has been confirmed as a legitimate means to set goals and assess efficiency.

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The Social Cost of Carbon

The social cost of carbon has been one of the largest methods used to guide policy decisions with regard to global warming. This theoretical number, or cost, is based upon findings that Michael Greenstone, an economist at the White House, and his cadre of bureaucrats and other economists extrapolated after studying all of the current projections and studies done by economists on the costs of global warming. In fact, the number they eventually settled on, is right in the middle. In other words, some studies put it lower and some higher.

Baton Rouge Flooding
1 in a 1,000-years flood in Baton Rouge, LA.

Calculating Social Cost of Carbon

The economic studies in question sought to generate “a comprehensive estimate of climate change damages and includes changes in net agricultural productivity, human health, property damages from increased flood risk, and changes in energy system costs, such as reduced costs for heating and increased costs for air conditioning.” The EPA currently uses the $36 per person as their benchmark and this number, or cost, is what has been used to guide the policies within the Clean Power Plan.

While the Clean Power Plan is on hold, the means by which the Obama Administration and the EPA arrived at their policy choices has been affirmed!

Our Latest: Solar Looking Good In Sykesville, Maryland

This Sykesville family is among our biggest fans. When one of the home owners called us, she was adamant that she just wanted to work with us. She had read our reviews and was ready to take the plunge.

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Having just purchased their dream home, they wanted to go solar! This 10.23 kW system covers their families electric needs by 76%. For the month of August, this system has already produced 223 kWh!

Installation Pictures From The Sky: MSSI Installation in Columbia, Maryland

As part of our continuing series; we’re taking a peak at all the new aerial photos we’ve been able to take of our previous installs. Take a look – this looks wonderful!

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This 8 kW array was installed for a family in Columbia in the spring of 2012. Since installation, the system has generated 35.06 Megawatts of electricity, saving this family $4,207 in four years. Additionally this system has saved 53,248 lbs of carbon from entering the atmosphere an equivalent to 1,327 trees having been planted.

Gorgeous Install in Arnold, Maryland!

Our latest install comes out of Arnold, Maryland. This customer came to us looking to go solar in order to save money and cut his costs.

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He and his wife have been so pleased with their 7.13 kW system that they’ve been making sure to tell all their family and friends! Thank you, we really appreciate it!

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Only a month and half into their installation and this installation has already saved 406 lbs of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Which is equal to have planting 10 trees for the month of August.

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2016 Maryland Greenhouse Gas Bill

MSSI Logo  2016 Maryland Greenhouse Gas Bill

Exciting things have happened here in Maryland this past spring. On April 4th, Governor Larry Hogan signed the 2016 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act; a bill that updates and renews the 2009 Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act. Sponsored by Senator Paul Pinsky of Prince George’s County, the bill increases the previous bill’s reduction goal of 25% below 2006 levels to 40% below 2006 levels. The Department of the Environment reported that the state had been on track to meet the prior 25% goal by 2020 and was likely to exceed it. The new goal will propel little ‘ol Maryland to almost double its efforts in reducing greenhouse emissions. The new goal: reduce greenhouse gas levels to 40% below 2006 levels by 2030. Maryland ranks only third to New York and California when it comes to strong greenhouse gas legislation, making it a state leader in fighting climate change.
Maryland Flag In Front of Capital Building
The environmental bill will take effect on October 1st 2016. According to the state, the reductions already gained were produced by an increased reliance on natural gas, coordinated efforts to reduce driving by encouraging telecommuting, mass transit projects and other options, such as solar.

Picture taken from a Solar PV Array MSSI installed in Brookeville, Maryland.

How does this all impact solar here in Maryland? We’re not sure of specifics yet. We are closely watching movement of both the House Bill 1106: Clean Energy – Renewable Portfolio Standard Revisions and the combined House Bill 1106 with Senate Bill 0921: Clean Energy – Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Revisions. The HB1106 Bill has already passed through the House and would raise the current goal of producing 20% of Maryland’s energy from renewable sources by 2022 to 25% by 2020. Not only would the passage of HB1106/SB0921 significantly expand Maryland’s use of renewable electricity, it may further stimulate the demand for SRECs. 
Either way, we’re really excited about the passage of the 2016 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill. Go, Maryland!

Installation Pictures From the Sky: MSSI Installation in Gaithersburg, Maryland!

We recently acquired a drone camera and have been updating our install photos with aerial views of past work. Take a peak – they look fantastic! 

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Initially looking to only lease a solar system, this family decided to purchase with us after looking at the financial incentives and realizing what a great investment it is! They’re pleased with the 72% coverage of their electric usage this 17.67 kW system gives them. It sure is a stunner and has thus far generated 729 kWh since installation in July 2016! This system has already saved 962 lbs of carbon from entering the atmosphere and is equivalent to having planted 24 trees. Go solar!