Mid-Atlantic Region

Consumer's Guide to

Buying a Solar

Electric System

Mid-Atlantic Region

Consumer's Guide to

Buying a Solar 

Electric System

Includes information for:

Delaware Pennsylvania

District of Columbia Virginia

Maryland West Virginia

New Jersey
Contents

Background Page

❑ What is a solar electric, or photovoltaic, system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Investing in a PV system

❑ Why should I buy a PV system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

❑ Is my home or business a good place for a solar system? . . . . . . . . . . . .4

❑ How big should my PV system be, and what features should it have? .5

❑ How much will my PV system save me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

❑ How much does a PV system cost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

❑ Are incentives available to help reduce the cost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

❑ How can I finance the cost of my PV system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Selecting a PV installer

❑ Who sells and installs PV systems? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

❑ How do I choose among PV providers? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

❑ How do I choose among competing bids? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

❑ Is the lowest price the “best deal”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Before connecting a PV system to the grid

❑ What about permits? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

❑ What about insurance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

❑ How does the system interface with my existing utility connection? 

What are my options? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

❑ What about net metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

❑ What about utility and inspection sign-off? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..12

❑ What about warranties? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Appendix

National PV Programs, Incentives, and Contacts

❑ Utility Photovoltaic Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Mid-Atlantic Regional PV Programs, Incentives, and Contacts

❑ Virginia Alliance for Solar Electricity (VASE) Program . . . . . . . . . . . .17

❑ U.S. Department of Energy Million Solar Roofs’ Solar Energy Loan

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

State PV Programs, Incentives, and Contacts in the Mid-Atlantic Region

❑ Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

❑ District of Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

❑ Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

❑ New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

❑ Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

❑ Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

❑ West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
1

Are you thinking about buying a PV system for your home or business? If so, this

booklet will provide basic information that you need to know. Consumers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia,

and New Jersey are showing increased interest in solar electric systems for their

homes and businesses. Photovoltaic (PV) systems are reliable, pollution free, and

use a renewable source of energy—the sun. Although they are still expensive, they

are becoming more affordable all the time.

Aside from the excellent technological advances and cost reductions in PV technology, several state and federal PV programs and incentives are available to MidAtlantic region customers that are making PV systems more economical than ever

before. For example, several state government offices offer financial assistance in

the form of grants and tax credits to prospective PV customers. 

The availability of net metering across the region is also providing an environment more conducive to the provision of cost-effective PV and renewable energy

development. Net metering means that when your PV system generates more

power than you need, the meter runs backwards, resulting in an even swap for the

grid power that you use at other times. In essence, you receive full retail value for

all the power that your PV system generates.

This booklet is designed to guide you through the process of buying a solar electric

system. A word of caution: this is not a technical guide for designing or installing

your system; for that information, we recommend that you consult an experienced

PV system designer or system supplier (“PV provider”) who will have detailed

technical specifications and other necessary information. A PV system can be a

substantial investment, and as with any investment, careful planning will help

ensure that you make the right decisions.

These materials also provide information on PV programs, incentives, and policies

for the states across the region. As the guide evolves, updated and more detailed

information on state PV programs and policies will be provided.

Introduction
2

What is a solar electric, or photovoltaic,

system?

PV technology converts sunlight

directly into electricity. It works any

time the sun is shining, but more electricity will be produced on sunny days

when the light is more intense and is

striking the PV modules directly (when

the rays of sunlight are perpendicular to

the PV modules). Unlike solar systems

for heating water, which you might be

more familiar with, PV technology does

not use the sun's heat to make electricity.

Instead, PV produces electricity directly

from the electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with semiconductor

materials in the PV cells.

But you don't need to understand the

detailed physics of how PV works to

understand its appeal: investing in PV

allows you to produce your own electricity with no noise, no air pollution,

and no moving parts while using a clean,

renewable resource. A PV system will

never run out of fuel, and it won't increase

our oil imports from overseas. In fact,

PV may help to reduce the trade deficit

because many PV system components 

are manufactured in the United States.

Because of these unique characteristics, PV technology has been called 

“the ultimate energy source for the 

21st century.”

The basic building block of PV technology is the solar “cell.” PV cells are

wired together to produce a PV “module,” the smallest component sold commercially, and these modules range in

power output from about 10 watts to

300 watts. A PV system tied to the 

utility grid consists of one or more PV

modules connected to an inverter that

changes the system's direct-current

(DC) electricity to alternating current

(AC), which is compatible with the 

utility grid and able to power devices

such as lights, appliances, computers,

and televisions. Batteries may be added

to the system to provide back-up power

in case your utility experiences a power

outage.

Some things you should know before

purchasing a PV system

First, it produces power intermittently

because it works only when the sun is

shining. This is not a problem for PV 

Background

Photovoltaic Modules

PV Cell

Customer

Loads or

Utility Grid

Batteries

(optional) Inverter

02512001m

PV System
3

systems connected to the utility grid,

because additional electricity you need 

is automatically delivered to you by

your utility.

Second, PV-generated electricity can

be more expensive than conventional

utility-supplied electricity. Improved

manufacturing techniques have reduced

the cost to less than 1% of what it was in

the 1970s, but the cost (amortized over

the life of the system) can be 2-3 times

higher than the kilowatt-hour (kWh)

rate charged by the utilities in the MidAtlantic region. Net metering, which

allows residents to spin their electric

meters backwards and offset retail 

electricity costs, can help make PV

more affordable, and various incentives

can make it cost-effective.

Finally, unlike electricity purchased

month by month from a utility, PV

power comes with a high initial investment and no monthly charge thereafter.

This means that buying a PV system is

like paying years of electric bills upfront. You'll probably appreciate the

reduction in your monthly electric bills,

but the initial expense may be significant. By financing your PV system, you

can spread the cost over many years,

and state “buy down” grants and other

financial incentives can help make the

cost more manageable. 

The 800-watt solar system being installed on this rooftop will provide about 1/4 

the electricity needed by a typical household in the Mid-Atlantic region. If the 

home is built very efficiently with good exposure to sunlight, the system could

supply up to 1/2 of the home's energy needs.

(David Parsons, NREL/PIX05579)
4

Why should I buy a PV system?

People decide to buy PV systems for 

a variety of reasons. Some want to help

preserve the earth's finite fossil-fuel

resources and reduce air pollution.

Others believe that it makes more sense

to spend their money on an energy-producing improvement to their property

than to send their money to a utility.

Some people like the security of reducing the amount of electricity they buy

from their utility because it makes them

less vulnerable to future increases in the

price of electricity. Finally, some people

just don't like paying utility bills and

appreciate the independence that a PV

system provides.

Whatever your reason, solar energy is

widely thought to be the energy source

of choice for the future, and electricity

consumers in the Mid-Atlantic region

have a unique opportunity to take advantage of state and federally-sponsored

programs to help make it their energy

choice for today as well as tomorrow.

Is my home or business a good place

for a solar system?

Can you orient your system for good

performance?

A well-designed PV system needs

clear and unobstructed access to the

sun's rays for most or all of the day,

throughout the year. You can make an

initial assessment yourself and, if the

location looks promising, your PV

provider has the tools to trace the sun's

path at your location and determine

whether your home or business can

make use of a PV solar system.

The orientation of your PV system

(the compass direction that your system

faces) will affect performance. In the

Mid-Atlantic region, the sun is always

in the southern half of the sky and is

higher in the summer and lower in the

winter. Usually, the best location for a

PV system is a south-facing roof, but

roofs that face east or west may also 

be acceptable. Flat roofs also work 

well for solar systems because the PV

modules can be mounted flat on the 

roof facing the sky or mounted on

frames tilted toward the south at the

optimal angle. If a rooftop can't be 

used, your solar modules can also be

placed on the ground to provide maximum performance.

Is your site free from shading by trees,

nearby buildings, or other obstructions?

To make the best use of your PV system, the PV modules must have a clear

“view” of the sun for most or all of the

day—unobstructed by trees, roof gables,

chimneys, buildings, and other features

of your home and the surrounding landscape. It is important to note that even

though the area where a system is

mounted may be unshaded during one

part of the day, it may be shaded during

another. If this is the case, then this

shading may substantially reduce the

amount of electricity that your system

will produce.

Do you have enough area on your roof

or property?

The amount of space needed by a PV

system is based on the physical size of

the system you purchase. Most residential systems require as little as 50 square

feet (for a small “starter” system) up to

as much as 1,000 square feet. A typical

1-kilowatt (kW) system would occupy

from 80 to 300 square feet, depending

Investing in a PV system
5

on the type and efficiency of modules

employed. The table below displays

typical roof-area requirements for a

range of PV system sizes and module

efficiency figures. Although the efficiency (or percent of sunlight converted

to electricity) varies with the different

types of PV modules available today,

higher-efficiency modules generally

cost more. Therefore, to meet your longterm energy savings goal, both the cost

and the efficiency must be taken into

consideration when purchasing a PV

system.

What kind of roof do you have, and

what is its condition?

Some roof types are simpler and

cheaper to work with, but a PV system

can be installed on any type. Typically,

composition shingles are easiest to work

with and slate is the most difficult. In

any case, an experienced solar installer

will know how to work on all roof types

and can use roofing techniques that

eliminate any possibility of leaks. Ask

your PV provider how the PV system

affects your roof warranty.

If your roof is older and needs to be

replaced in the very near future, you

may want to replace it at the time the 

PV system is installed to avoid the cost

of removing and reinstalling your PV

system. Panels often can be integrated

into the roof itself, and some modules

are actually designed as three-tab shingles or raised-seam metal roof sections.

One benefit of these systems is their

ability to offset the cost of roof materials.

How big should my PV system be, and

what features should it have?

As a starting point, you might consider

how much of your present electricity

needs you would like to meet with your

PV system. For example, suppose that

you would like to meet 50 % of your

electricity needs with your PV system.

You could work with your PV provider

to examine past electric bills and determine the size of the PV system needed

to achieve that goal.

You can contact your utility and request

the total electricity usage, measured in

kilowatt-hours, for your household or

business over the last 12 months (or

consult your electric bills, if you save

them). Ask your PV provider how much

your new PV system will produce on an

annual basis (also measured in kilowatthours) and compare that number to your

annual electricity demand to get an idea

of how much you will save. 

100 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 10,000 100,000

4 30 75 150 300 600 1,200 3,000 30,000

8 15 38 75 150 300 600 1,500 15,000

12 10 25 50 100 200 400 1,000 10,000

16 8 20 40 80 160 320 800 8,000

PV capacity rating (watts) PV module

efficiency*

(%)

Roof Area Needed in Square Feet (shown in Bold Type)

02512002m

* Although the efficiency (percent of sunlight converted to electricity) varies with the different types of PV modules 

available today, higher-efficiency modules typically cost more. So, a less-efficient system is not necessarily less cost-effective.
6

As you size your system, you should

consider the “economies of scale” that

can decrease the cost per kilowatt-hour

as you increase the size of the system.

For example, many inverters are sized

for systems up to 5 kW, and if your PV

array is smaller (say 3 kW), you may

still end up buying the same inverter.

Labor costs for a small system may be

nearly as much as those for a large system. Therefore, it's worth remembering

that your PV provider is likely to offer

you a better price to install a 2-kW system all at once, than to install a 1-kW

system this year and another next year—

multiple orders and multiple site visits

are more expensive. 

Also, it is generally not economical to

try to produce more power than you

need. This is because in some states the

utility is either not required to compensate the consumer for excess generation

above the net metering period or is only

required to do so at buyback rates that

are low. Typically, this is the utility's

“avoided cost” rate that may be a mere

fraction, say 20%, of the retail rate provided under net metering. 

How much will my PV system save me?

The value of your PV system's electricity will depend on how much you

pay your utility for electricity and how

much your utility will pay you for any

excess that you generate. Because many

Mid-Atlantic utilities are required to

offer net metering (and provide the full

retail credit for your generated, or net

excess, electricity), your calculation is

fairly easy because you and your utility

will each pay the same price for each

other's electricity. 

A 1-kW system should meet about

12%–18% of the typical residential customer needs. Given the amount of solar 

resource available in the Mid-Atlantic

region, it would produce about 1,600 kWh

annually under ideal conditions (i.e.,

a south-facing installation and proper

slope of the roof). If you multiply this

annual power output by your average

electricity rate (8 cents per kWh or so)

and then divide by 12, you come up

with a monthly energy savings of about

$11 per month. Depending on the grants

and incentives involved, a customer

should expect to see a system payback

of less than 20 years—when the value

of energy produced equals the initial

investment of the system. This is an

achievable goal given the state and local

programs and incentives available

across the region.

How much does a PV system cost?

There is no single answer, but keep in

mind that a solar rebate and other incentives may reduce the cost. Your system's

price will depend on a number of factors,

including whether the home is under

construction or whether the PV is integrated into the roof or mounted on top

of an existing roof. The price also varies

depending on the PV system rating,

manufacturer, retailer, and installer.

The size of your system may be the

most significant factor in any equation

measuring your costs against your benefits. Small, single PV-panel systems

with built-in inverters that produce

about 75 watts may cost around $900

installed, or $12 per watt. These small

systems will offset only a small fraction

of your electricity bill. A 2-kilowatt system that will offset the needs of a very

energy-efficient home may cost $16,000

to $20,000 installed, or $8 to $10 per

watt. At the high end, a 5-kW system

that will completely offset the energy

needs of many conventional homes 

may cost $30,000 to $40,000 installed,
7

or $6 to $8 per watt. These prices, of

course, are just rough estimates, and

your costs will depend on your system's

configuration, your equipment options,

and other factors. Your local PV providers can provide you with estimates

or bids.

Are incentives available to help reduce

the cost?

There are numerous state programs

and incentives available to help “buy

down” the cost of a residential PV system or make it easier to finance. These

incentives may include: tax credits, state

grants, and low-interest financing packages. Please see the final section of this

pamphlet (“State PV Programs, Incentives, and Contacts in the Mid-Atlantic

Region”) for the most up-to-date information on incentives and financing

options for PV systems in your state.

If your home is used for a business,

you may be entitled to a 10% federal 

tax credit and accelerated depreciation

on the PV system. These tax benefits

can substantially reduce the effective

cost of your PV system and should be

thoroughly investigated.

How can I finance the cost of my PV

system?

There is nothing magical about financing the cost of purchasing and installing

your PV system. Although there are

some special programs available for

financing solar and other renewableenergy investments, most of the options

will be familiar to you. 

One of the best ways to finance PV

systems for homes is through a mortgage

loan. Mortgage financing options include

your primary mortgage, a second mortgage such as a U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development

(HUD) Title 1 loan, or a home-equity

loan that is secured by your property.

There are two advantages to mortgage

financing. First, mortgage financing 

usually provides longer terms and lower

interest rates than other loans, such as

conventional bank loans. Second, the

interest paid on a mortgage loan is generally deductible on your federal taxes

(subject to certain conditions). If you

buy the PV system at the same time 

that you build, buy, or refinance the

house on which the PV system will be

installed, adding the cost of the PV 

system to your mortgage loan is likely

to be relatively simple and may avoid

additional loan application forms or fees.

If mortgage financing is not available,

look for other sources of financing, such

as conventional bank loans. Remember

to look for the best possible combination of low rate and long term. This will

allow you to amortize your PV system

as inexpensively as possible. Because

your PV system is a long-term investment, the terms and conditions of your

PV financing are likely to be the most

important factor in determining the

effective price of your PV-generated

power.
8

Who sells and installs PV systems?

It will be necessary for consumers to

select a vendor to perform the installation of their PV system. We recommend

that the prospective customer contact

the local chapter of the Solar Energy

Industries Association to get help in

selecting a contractor/installer (i.e.,

New York SEIA, Mid-Atlantic SEIA,

and Maryland-D.C.-Virginia SEIA.)

In some states with PV grant programs,

residents are allowed to select any PV

installer they wish. In others, the state

government has already selected a qualified contractor through a competitive

bid process. You should check with the

local Regional Office (RO) of DOE or

your state energy office contact listed 

in the final section of this report. The

Philadelphia RO serves the Mid-Atlantic

region. The Boston RO serves the New

York region and Northeast.

In some locations, finding a PV

provider can be as simple as picking 

up the telephone directory and looking

under “Solar Energy Equipment and

Systems—Dealers.” Be aware, however,

that many of those listings are for solar

water-heating companies. Many of

these companies may not be experienced in PV system design or installation. Similarly, many electrical contractors, although proficient in typical electrical contracting work, may not have

expertise in PV or with residential

roof-mounting techniques. 

How do I choose among PV providers?

Compile a list of prospective PV

providers. You might first consider

those closest to you, because the contractor's travel costs might add to your

system price. Next, contact these

providers and find out what products

and services they offer. The following

questions may give you a good sense 

of their capabilities:

Has the company installed gridconnected PV systems? If not, has it

installed grid-independent PV systems?

Experience installing grid-connected

systems is valuable because some elements of the installation—particularly

interconnection with the local utility—

are unique to these systems. Because

grid-connected systems are relatively

uncommon, most contractors with PV

experience have worked only on systems such as those that power remote

cabins far from the nearest utility line.

This means they have experience with

all aspects of PV system installation

except the connection with the utility

grid. Although grid-connection work 

is different from “off-grid” work, a

competent company with PV experience should not be eliminated just

because it has not installed grid-connected PV systems in the past. In fact,

experience with off-grid systems is

valuable because grid-independent 

systems are more technically complicated than grid-tied systems.

How many years of experience does the

company have installing PV systems?

This issue speaks for itself:A company

or contractor that has been in business 

a long time has demonstrated an ability 

to work with customers and to compete

effectively with other firms.

Is the company properly licensed?

PV systems should be installed by an

appropriately licensed contractor. This

usually means that either the installer or

Selecting a PV provider
9

a subcontractor has an electrical contractor's license. You must contact the appropriate state agency to verify that a given

contractor is licensed to perform the

installation. Local building departments

also may require that the installer have a

general contractor's license. Consumers

should call the city and county in which

they live for additional information on

licensing. Some states even require

properly licensed installers to demonstrate that they possess special knowledge about installing PV systems. You

should check with your state energy

contact. See the list of state energy 

contacts listed in the final section of 

this guide. 

Does the company have any pending or

active judgements or liens against it?

As with any project that requires a

contractor, due diligence is recommended. Your State Electrical Board

can tell you about any judgments or

complaints against a state-licensed 

electrician. Consumers should call the

city and county in which they live for

additional information on how to check

up on contractors. The Better Business

Bureau is another source of information

on contractors.

How do I choose among competing bids?

If you have decided to get more than

one bid for the installation of your PV

system (and it's generally a good idea to

do so), you should take steps to ensure

that all of the bids you receive are made

on the same basis. For example, comparing a bid for a system mounted on

the ground against another bid for a

rooftop system is like comparing apples

to oranges. Similarly, different types of

PV modules generate more electricity

per square foot than others. Bids should

clearly state the maximum generating

capacity of the system (measured in watts

or kilowatts). If possible, have the bids

specify the system capacity in “AC

watts,” or specify the output of the system at the inverter.

You may want to obtain some estimate

of the amount of energy that the system

will produce on an annual basis (measured in kilowatt-hours). Because the

amount of energy depends on the amount

of sunlight—which varies by location,

season, and year to year—it is unrealistic

to expect a specific figure. A range of

approximately 20% is more realistic.

Bids also should include the total cost 

of getting the PV system up and running, including hardware, installation,

connection to the grid, permitting, sales

tax, and warranty. Your warranty is a

very important factor for evaluating

bids. The installer may offer longer 

warranties. Also ask yourself, “Will this

company stand behind the full-system

warranty for the next two years?”

Is the lowest price the “best deal”?

It might not be. Often, you get what

you pay for. Remember that a PV company is a business just like any other,

with overhead and operating expenses

that must be covered. It's always possible that a low price could be a sign of

inexperience. Companies that plan to

stay in business must charge enough 

for their products and services to cover

their costs, plus a fair profit margin.

Therefore, price should not be your 

only consideration.

Remember, if your state has an incentive program for solar energy, it may be

through a pre-selected group of contractors. If so, you can only get the incentive

by using one of those contractors.

Furthermore, most state programs

require the prospective PV customer to
10

first contact the state to apply to the

grant program and verify that incentives

are still available. A customer should

not expect to receive incentives or

grants after they have installed a system

on their own. It is important to contact

the state first before proceeding with

your solar project.

Rick Brook, second from left, and Lyle Rawling, right, President of FIRST, a solar integrator, carry solar photovoltaic panels to the roof of Brook's home in New Jersey.

When the first summer storm knocks out the grid in 1998, "we'll still have power," 

says Brook. "I think that will be a good time for a party." (Bob Gibson, UPVG/PIX08095)
11

What about permits?

If you live in a community in which 

a homeowners association requires

approval for a solar system, you or your

PV provider may need to submit your

plans. Gain approval from your homeowners association before you begin

installing your PV system.

Most likely, you will need to obtain

permits from your city or county building department. You will probably need

a building permit, an electrical permit,

or both before installing a PV system.

Typically, your PV provider will take

care of this, rolling the price of the 

permits into the overall system price.

However, in some cases, your PV

provider may not know how much time

or money will be involved in “pulling”

a permit. If so, this task may be priced

on a time-and-materials basis, particularly if additional drawings or calculations must be provided to the permitting

agency. In any case, make sure the permitting costs and responsibilities are

addressed at the start with your PV

provider.

Code requirements for PV systems

vary somewhat from one jurisdiction 

to the next, but most requirements are

based on the National Electrical Code

(NEC). The NEC has a special section,

Article 690, that carefully spells out

requirements for designing and installing safe, reliable, code-compliant PV

systems. Because most local requirements are based on the NEC, your

building inspector is likely to rely on

Article 690 for guidance in determining

whether your PV system has been properly designed and installed. If you are

among the first people in your community to install a grid-connected PV system, your local building department

may not have approved one of these systems. If this is the case, you and your

PV provider can speed the process by

working closely and cooperatively with

your local building officials to help educate them about the technology and its

characteristics.

What about insurance?

If you are buying a PV system for your

home, your standard homeowner's

insurance policy is usually adequate 

to meet the utility's requirements.

However, you may wish to contact your

insurance carrier or one of the groups

listed in the final section of this booklet.

In some states, the electric utility may

require additional insurance. 

How does the PV system interface

with my existing utility connection?

What are my options?

There are basically three ways that

PV systems can be wired for residential

homes: grid-connected, grid connected

with battery storage, and off-grid. 

Grid-connected implies that the PV

system interfaces directly with your

current utility connection. This set-up

allows the consumer generator to put

excess generation (when PV generation

exceeds current consumption) back on

the grid. In times when consumption

exceeds generation by the PV system,

the consumer simply obtains the additional power from the local utility as

always. Grid-connected systems are

gaining in popularity because they do

not require battery storage and are more

efficient in converting solar energy to

electricity. Provided the utility allows

Before connecting a PV system to the grid
12

net metering, grid-connected systems

also tend to be the most cost effective.

Under net metering, customers receive

full credit for excess electricity from

their PV systems at the same rate they

normally pay from their utility. In

essence, your electric meter will run

backward when you are not using all 

the power that your PV system generates. This topic will be addressed in

more detail below in the section on net

metering. Several Mid-Atlantic states

offer net metering, although the terms

and conditions vary in each case. 

A second option is grid-connected with

battery storage. The included battery

system provides back-up power in case

of a utility power outage. Batteries add

value to your system, but at an increased

price. 

A third option is to operate the PV

system independent of the utility grid,

in cases where the home has no electric

service to begin with, or to provide

power to outbuildings on a residential

property, for example. In cases where 

a house is off the grid and there are no

utility lines available, PV often

becomes the most economical choice

for both the consumer and the utility.

The cost of running a special line is 

usually more than the cost of installing 

a PV system. 

What about net metering?

Net metering has been generally

accepted as one of the best, unobtrusive

ways for states to encourage consumers

to purchase renewable energy systems.

Basically, net metering allows customers to only pay for their “net” electricity or the amount of power consumed

from the utility minus the power generated at the customer's home via the PV 

system. Excess generation (power not

consumed during the billing period)

may be met with a reimbursement at 

the utility's avoided cost (usually a 

much lower rate) or not at all. 

Once the utility has been contacted

and has cleared your PV system for net

metering, you should check that you are

receiving credit. On a bright sunny day,

when few or no lights or appliances in

your house are running, examine your

electric meter. You should observe it

spinning in reverse. You should note 

the meter reading, then check again in 

a few hours and see if the meter reading

is lower. In most circumstances, the

“old fashioned” meter with mechanical

dials works fine. However, some newer

electronic meters have trouble registering electricity flow in reverse. Your PV

installer should be able to let you know

if you will have a problem. 

What about utility and inspection 

sign-off?

After your new PV system is installed,

it may need to be inspected and “signed

off” by the local permitting agency 

(usually a building or electrical inspector) and perhaps by the electric utility.

Inspectors may require your PV provider to make corrections, but don't be

alarmed, this is fairly common in the

construction business.

What about warranties?

Warranties are key to ensuring that your

PV system will be repaired if something

should malfunction during the warranty

period. PV systems should carry a full

(not “limited”) two-year warranty, in

addition to any manufacturers' warranties on specific components. This

warranty should cover all parts and

labor, including the cost of removing

any defective component, shipping it 
13

to the manufacturer, and reinstalling the

component after it is repaired or replaced.

Be sure you know who is responsible

for honoring the various warranties

associated with your system—the

installer, the dealer, or the manufacturer. The vendor should disclose the

warranty responsibility of each party.

Know the financial arrangements, such

as contractor's bonds, that assure the

warranty will be honored. Remember,

a warranty does not guarantee that the

company will remain in business. Get 

a clear understanding of whom you

should contact if there is a problem. 

To avoid any later misunderstandings,

be sure to read the warranty carefully

and review the terms and conditions

with your retailer.

A 1.8-kW GPU Solar system being installed in

March 1998 on the home of Rick Brook,

owner of Jersey Shore Solar in Lakewood, 

New Jersey. (Bob Gibson, UPVG/PIX08096)
14

Appendix

National, Regional, and State PV

Programs, Incentives, and Contacts

The PV roof shingles on the inner portion of this institute's lower roof were laid out and

nailed down using the same methods used to lay conventional shingles. This rooftop

array of PV roof shingles was developed by United Solar Systems and Energy

Conversion Devices under the DOE PV:BONUS program. (John Haigwood/PIX04577)
15

The Utility Photovoltaic Group and the

TEAM-UP Initiative

The UPVG

The Utility Photovoltaic Group

(UPVG) is a nonprofit association of

nearly 100 energy service providers

(electric utilities and energy service

companies) dedicated to accelerating

the use of photovoltaics for the benefit

of electric utilities and their customers

so that photovoltaics become a sustainable energy option and a thriving domestic industry. The UPVG, with funding

support from DOE, is led and managed

by the market itself—the potential utility

buyers of solar photovoltaic systems.

The UPVG programs are increasing the

experience of electric utilities and their

customers with photovoltaics and are

stimulating growth in the demand for

solar power. The UPVG maintains a

comprehensive Web site at www.upvg.org

The UPVG program recognizes that

many utilities lack knowledge or are

skeptical about the potential of PV 

systems. For the market to proceed to

widespread commercial applications,

utilities need to gain greater confidence

in the technology's role. Created in

September of 1992, the UPVG now is

concentrating on educating utility and

other audiences and is helping to build a

foundation for utility PV purchase commitments through its DOE-sponsored

TEAM-UP initiative.

The TEAM-UP Initiative

The TEAM-UP initiative (Technology

Experience to Accelerate Markets for

Utility Photovoltaics) is a utility-government partnership program to co-fund

the deployment of demonstration and 

field validation photovoltaic (PV) systems. TEAM-UP's goal is to develop a

market to help the PV industry move

closer to the point of domestic commercial sustainability. In all, six rounds of

TEAM-UP procurements have been

scheduled to complete implementation

of the TEAM-UP initiative, where the

industry is investing nearly four dollars

for every dollar invested by the U.S.

taxpayer.

Since 1995, the UPVG, funded in part

by DOE, has managed the TEAM-UP

initiative. TEAM-UP has funded 36

business ventures through three rounds

of competitively selected awards, representing 130 partners in 30 states. These

projects are expected to significantly

increase the experience of electric utilities and their customers with photovoltaics and will stimulate growth in 

the demand for solar power across the

nation. To date, TEAM-UP has awarded

$15 million in DOE funds for programs

to invest in PV business ventures in the

United States. This will result in more

than 2,500 PV installations in as many

as 30 states with the involvement of 47

energy service providers. This $15 million from DOE funding has leveraged

over $57 million in investments from

private industry for a total of $72 million of new PV installations. These new

PV system installations, totaling more

than 7.5 megawatts of power, will stimulate markets that will reduce the cost

and increase the deployment of PV 

systems, leading to more American 

jobs and a cleaner environment. These

ventures have the potential to create tens

of millions of dollars of new investment

in thedomestic use of solar electric power.

National PV Programs, Incentives, and Contacts
16

The Future

The UPVG program has been very

successful and is continuing the very

important education and outreach activities. The TEAM-UP program is just now

hitting stride, with almost 3.5 MW of PV

systems installed and another 4.0 MW in

the pipeline for deployment in the next

two years. These “mainstream” installations will create a strong impetus for

long-term domestic investment in PV

technology, and maintain the United

States as the world leader in this energy

technology. This program needs to continue and complete the six rounds to

stimulate a self-sustaining and strong

domestic market for U.S. PV products.

Based on the first three rounds, the

UPVG's TEAM-UP initiative is strong

evidence of the electric industry's commitment to new and environmentally

clean technologies. The program

demonstrates how effective a partnership between the government and 

private industry can be where the government supplies incentive, private

industry shoulders most of the cost,

and the nature of the investments is

determined by the marketplace.

Much of this new investment will be

for community-based solar installations.

TEAM-UP is building on what UPVG

members are already doing—responding

to customer demand for solar and other

renewables and developing a commercial market for PV. Extensive market

research has indicated that customers 

are willing to pay a premium for “green

electricity,” and many of the TEAM-UP

ventures have incorporated green-pricing

programs where customers are willing

to pay more on their utility bill for clean

energy. Aided by UPVG and TEAM-UP,

electric utilities can greatly expand the

opportunity for customers to choose

solar electricity in their homes and 

businesses.

TEAM-UP Funding

The funding by DOE for the TEAMUP initiative is as follows:

For more information on TEAM-UP,

please contact the UPVG at 

202-857-0898 or via the Internet at 

www.ttcorp.com/upvg

TEAM-UP DOE Funding

Round Share Private Cost

Round One $4,300,000 $17,500,000

Round Two $5,800,000 $ 17,800,000

Round Three $5,000,000 $ 22,500,000

Round Four ??? ??? 

Total $15,100,000 $ 57,800,000
17

Virginia Alliance for Solar Electricity

(VASE) 

The Virginia Alliance for Solar Electricity (VASE) is a partnership that

began with Solarex, Virginia Power,

Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), the Virginia Department

of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME),

and DOE to accelerate the commercialization of a new generation of photovoltaic (PV) modules manufactured in

Virginia by Solarex. The VASE partnership has expanded from its original

partners and now includes other states

in the Mid-Atlantic region, including 

New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland,

and North Carolina. 

The VASE program was awarded costshare funding from DOE under the

Commercialization Ventures Program

through a cooperative agreement made

to DMME. This cost-share funding is

being used to “buy down” the cost of

Solarex's new tandem-junction amorphous silicon thin-film photovoltaic

modules manufactured at their Virginia

plant. The VASE partners are identifying eligible building owners and developers interested in installing this PV

technology. For more information 

about the VASE partnership, VASEfunded projects, and technology applications, please visit the VASE Web site

(www.vase.org). The VASE contact 

person at Solarex is Chris Whiteley 

301-698-4275. 

For more information about Solarex,

their products, and manufacturing facilities, please visit the Solarex Web site

(www.solarex.com).

DOE's Million Solar Roofs' Solar Energy

Loan Program

DOE's Federal Credit Union is currently working with Solarex and VASE

to develop a “Million Solar Roofs’Solar

Energy Loan Program.” The program

has been awarded funding through the

VASE program for 100 kW residential

systems and it offers prospective consumers very attractive financing terms,

including a 15-year, fixed-rate solar

home equity loan with a quarter point 

of interest reduced.

For more information, visit the following Web sites:

DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network—

www.eren.doe.gov/millionroofs

Home Energy Saver Advisor—

www.hes.lbl.gov

State Energy Alternatives MD—

www.eren.doe.gov/state_energy/

mystate.cfm?state=MD

State Energy Alternatives VA—

www.eren.doe.gov/state_energy/

mystate.cfm?state=VA

U.S. Department of Energy—

www.doe.gov

The Energy Federal Credit Union

(EFCU) suggests that customers interested in the Solar Mortgage Loan

Program visit the nearest EFCU branch

Annual Percentage

Term Rate (Fixed) Loan-to-Value

5 years 6.50% 80%

10 years 7.00% 80%

15 years 7.50% 80%

Mid-Atlantic Regional PV Programs, Incentives, and

Contacts
18

location or call the Member Service

Call Center at 301-670-1300 or 

800-223-2177 and press 4. The EFCU

Web site at www.energyfcu.org also

contains information on the program. 

These townhouses in Bowie, Maryland have standing-seam roofs. The one on the right has

an integrated PV standing-seam roof that looks and performs like the standard metal

roofing on the other units, but it produces electricity. The PV modules closely match the

look of the standard metal roofing modules, preserving a consistent, attractive

appearance. ( Tim Ellison, ECD/PIX04473)
19

Delaware

State Contact

Suzanne Sebastian

Energy Program Manager

Division of Facilities Management

410 Federal Street, Suite 2

Dover, DE 19901

302-739-5644

302-739-6148

ssebastian@state.de.us (e-mail)

District of Columbia

State Contacts and Other Resources

D.C. Department of Energy

2000 14th Street, NW

Suite 300

Washington, DC 20009

202-673-6738

Maryland, DC, Virginia Solar

Energy Industries Association

Steve Kalland, Acting Director

c/o Capital Sun Group

6503 81st Street

Cabin John, MD 20818

301-229-0671

301-229-0289 (fax)

This organization represents the MidAtlantic region in the Solar Energy

Industries Association, the national

trade association of the solar industry.

Contact them for information about

solar energy and various PV applications.

Maryland

Maryland was the first state in the

country to have a functioning solar 

program in place. The Maryland Solar

Roofs Program is comprised of the

Residential Rooftop Program, the Solar

Schools Program, the Solar for Farms

Program, and municipal solar projects.

Maryland passed a PV net metering 

law in 1997, and recently extended net

metering to include schools and churches.

Incentives and Programs

Net Metering

In the 1997 session of the Maryland

General Assembly, the legislature passed

net metering legislation for the use of

photovoltaic systems on residences

throughout the State. The legislation

required all utilities to allow the use of 

a single meter to register forward and

reverse flows of power. To qualify for

net metering in Maryland, PV systems

must not have a peak generating capacity of more than 80 kW (80,000 watts).

Compliant systems must also be UL

listed and comply with Article 690 of

the National Electric Code and IEEE

standards. Systems installed by a contractor under the Residential Rooftops

Program assures that the contractor was

informed of and met these requirements.

Maryland utilities are required to

connect customers who comply with

these requirements to the grid and 

provide net metering service. (Note:

the Maryland law limits the total

amount of PV that can be "net metered"

to 0.2% of the utility peak load or about

34 megawatts statewide.) To learn the

exact terms, contact the Maryland Public

Service Commission and request a copy

of the net metering tariff for your electric utility. Some utilities may require

an interconnection agreement and

inspection; others may just require

notice. 

In most circumstances, the "old fashioned" utility meter with mechanical

dials works fine under net metering.

However, some newer electronic meters

have trouble registering electricity flow

State PV Programs, Incentives, and Contacts in the 

Mid-Atlantic Region
20

in reverse. Your PV installer should be

able to let you know if you will have a

problem. If you are unsure, contact the

engineering division of the Maryland

Public Service Commission and ask for

a test of the meter in both directions

(forward and reverse).

Maryland Residential Rooftops

Program

Overview

The Maryland Residential Rooftops

Program, currently in its second year, is

a statewide initiative to stimulate the

increased use of photovoltaic energy 

by residential consumers. Sponsored 

by the Maryland Energy Administration

(MEA), the program provides grants 

to help Maryland electricity consumers

purchase solar PV systems. The MEA

also simplifies the process required for

customers to purchase their systems by

selecting a contractor/installer through

a competitive procurement process. In

so doing, the State can be certain that its

grant funds and customers are going to

an experienced and qualified contractor.

This method also assures that the customers receive the most competitive

price and a positive first experience in

purchasing a PV system. 

The program will continue to increase

the number of PV installations each

year to reach Maryland's goal of 1/50 

of installed systems by 2010 under the

Federal Million Solar Roofs Initiative.

The Million Roofs Initiative seeks to

install one million PV systems nationwide by 2010. Under the first year of

the program, 10 systems were successfully installed. During 1999, the MEA

will oversee the installation of 20 systems, and this figure will double each 

of the next 5 years. The program's

broader, long-term purpose is to develop

a self-sustaining regional market for

solar energy. This includes an infrastructure of manufacturers, distributors

and installers, and a trained cadre of

electricians and builders familiar with

the technology. 

The grant monies offered by the program will decline each year in response

to expected declines in the cost of solar

PV systems. During 1998, the grant

amount was $4,000 per system, but this

will decline to approximately $3,600

per system during 1999, and will be

further reduced in subsequent years.

The grant monies are incorporated into

the system price offered to the consumer by the MEA-selected installer. 

Requirements

There are several aspects of the Residential Rooftops that prospective customers must consider:

• Customers who wish to participate in 

the Residential Rooftops Program 

and receive the excellent system 

prices offered through State grants 

must work with the installer selected 

by the MEA. Customers that install 

systems on their own, independent of

the program, can not then apply for 

grant assistance. 

• The minimum system size for PV systems installed under the program is 

1.2kW. Customers may increase the 

size of their systems at their discretion, but the State grant amount incorporated into their system price 

remains constant. 

• The customer's home must be located 

in Maryland. 

• The customer must contact the MEA 

to verify that grant funds are still 

available.
21

State Contacts and Other Resources

Jonathan Cross

Maryland Energy Administration

45 Calvert Street

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-260-7184

410-974-2250 (fax)

jcross@energy.state. md.us (e-mail)

Maryland, DC, Virginia Solar

Energy Industries Association

Steve Kalland, Acting Director

c/o Capital Sun Group

6503 81st Street

Cabin John, Maryland 20818

301-229-0671

301-229-0289 (fax)

This organization represents the MidAtlantic region in the Solar Energy

Industries Association, the national

trade association of the solar industry.

Contact them for information about

solar energy and various PV applications.

The Maryland Public Service

Commission

William Donald Schaefer Tower

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

410 767-8112

410-333-6844 (fax)

The Maryland Public Service Commission regulates the State's utilities. Utility

customers have the right to file an informal or formal complaint with the

Commission. Individuals, groups, or

organizations can also intervene or 

participate in formal cases before the

Commission, and can testify at public

hearings that the Commission holds

across the state.

New Jersey

Incentives and Programs

New Jersey offers several programs

and incentives for solar energy and 

in-state entities have been very active 

in installing PV systems on residential

and commercial facilities.

Net Metering

New Jersey's legislation, which deregulated electricity supply, requires net

metering for both PV and wind energy.

The law applies to both residential and

small commercial customers for net

metered PV systems. Net excess generation is credited the following month

and is purchased by the utility at

avoided wholesale cost. 

Sales Tax Incentive

The technologies that are eligible for

this incentive include: passive-solar

space heat, active-solar water heat,

active-solar space heat, solar-thermal

electricity, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydro, alternative fuels, and

water pumping. It addresses all sectors:

industrial, commercial, residential, and

all utilities. Basically, New Jersey offers

a full exemption from the state 6% sales

tax for all solar and wind equipment.

This exemption, which was created in

1980 and is scheduled to expire in 2000,

is available to all taxpayers. (Courtesy

of the North Carolina Solar Center

(NCSC), http://www.ncsc.ncsu.edu/)

The point of contact for the incentive

is Cameron Johnson at the New Jersey

Board of Public Utilities, at: 44 South

Clinton Avenue Box 350, Trenton, NJ

08625-0350. Her telephone is 

609-777-3316 and fax is 609- 777-3336.

Technical Sufficiency Standards for

Solar Energy Devices

This is an equipment certification

standard for solar generation equipment.

Eligible technologies include: passive

solar space heat, active solar water heat,

active solar space heat, solar industrial

process heat and solar thermal activity,
22

in addition to photovoltaics. The program addresses commercial, industrial

and residential sectors.

New Jersey's technical sufficiency

standards for solar equipment were

established to certify eligible solarenergy equipment for the State's sales

and use tax exemptions. The statute

defines all relevant solar-energy equipment, including equipment for passivesolar design. Acceptable certification

standards/organizations include Solar

Rating and Certification Corporation

(SRCC), Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), or American

Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and

Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

The point of contact for more information is also Cameron Johnson.

(Courtesy of NCSC)

Sustainable Development Loan Fund

The New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, Office of

Sustainable Business, offers lowinterest loans to New Jersey businesses

that wish to install renewable energy

systems. The Office of Sustainable

Business also provides full funding

packages for companies that produce

renewable energy technologies within

the state of New Jersey. 

For more information, call Cassandra

Kling at 609-633-3655.

State Contacts

Cameron Johnson

New Jersey Division of Energy

P.O. Box 350

Trenton, NJ 08625-0350

609-777-3316

609-777-3330 (fax)

johnsonc@bpu.state.nj.us (e-mail)

Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy

Industries Association

Lyle Rawlings, President

66 Snydertown Rd.

Hopewell, NJ

609-466-4495;609-466-8681

NJ Commerce and Economic Growth

Commission 

Office of Sustainable Business

Cassandra Kling

28 West State Street

P.O. Box 819

Trenton, NJ 08625-0820

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania recently began competitive retail electricity service, allowing

two-thirds of all customer classes (residential, commercial, and industrial) to

have freedom of choice for selecting 

an electricity generation supplier. They

also passed net metering legislation

during 1998.

Incentives and Programs

Net Metering

As a result of the restructuring of the

electricity industry in the state, some

utilities are offering net metering for

systems up to 10kW. A utility may or

may not pay for any electricity generated in excess of the system owner's

own usage. Contact the utility in your

area.

State Contacts and Other Resources

James M. McTish, Jr.

Pennsylvania Department of

Environmental Protection

Lee Park, Suite 6010

555 North Lane

Conshohocken, PA 19428

610-832-6098

610-832-6133 (fax)

mctish.james@dep.state.pa.us (e-mail)
23

Pennsylvania Solar Energy

Industries Association 

(Merging with the new Mid-Atlantic

SEIA this year)

Bob Nape, President

c/o Solar Techniques

5919 Pulaski Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19144

215-844-4196

215-844-4196 (fax)

Bobnape@aol.com (e-mail)

Philadelphia Million Solar Roofs

Community Partnership

Energy Coordinating Agency of

Philadelphia, Inc.

Scott Hunter

1924 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 988-0929

(215) 988-0919 (fax)

scott@ecasavesenergy.org (email)

Virginia

Virginia offers an energy efficiency

and renewable energy loan program,

tax exemptions, and recently passed 

net metering legislation. It is also 

home to the Virginia Alliance for Solar

Electricity program, which was recently

expanded across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Incentives and Programs

Renewable Energy and Energy

Efficiency Loan Program 

This residential loan program, which

was created under HUD Title 1 in 1978,

is administered by the Virginia Housing

Development Authority. The program

makes low-interest loans available for

low and moderate income homeowners

for repairs that reduce energy consumption or reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. All renewable

energy technologies are eligible, including passive-solar space heat, active-solar

water heat, active-solar space heat, solarthermal electricity, photovoltaics, wind,

biomass, hydro, geothermal, and waste.

The interest rate is 6.75%. Additionally,

there is an annual Federal Housing

Association insurance charge of onehalf of one percent (0.5%) of the loan

amount. Loan amounts range from

$1,000 to $25,000 for terms from 

6 months up to 20 years. (A lien on 

the property is required for all loan

amounts.) Borrowers can borrow up to

100% of the equity in their home. About

100 loans are made per year. The incentive provides 100% of equity and terms

of up to 20 years. The point of contact

for the program is Julia Perkinson, Virginia Housing Development Authority,

601 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA

23220-6500. Her phone is 804-782-1986

and fax is (804) 783-6737.

Local Option Property Tax

Exemption 

This statute allows any county, city 

or town to exempt, or partially exempt,

solar-energy equipment or recycling

equipment from local property taxes.

Residential, commercial, or industrial

property is eligible. The statute broadly

defines solar-energy equipment as any

“application that would otherwise

require a conventional source of

energy.” Recycling equipment is defined

as equipment that is “integral to the

recycling process and for use primarily

for the purpose of abating or preventing

pollution of the atmosphere or waters.”

It addresses the following technologies:

passive-solar space heat, active-solar

water heat, active-solar space heat,

solar-thermal electricity, and photovoltaics. To determine if the locality

that you are in offers this property-tax

exemption, contact your local commissioner of revenue and cite the following

Section from the Code of Virginia,

§58.1-3661.
24

Net Metering

In March, 1999, the Virginia state 

legislature enacted legislation (Virginia

Assembly bill S1269) requiring net

metering for small solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems. The law requires all of

the state's utilities to offer net metering

to residential systems of 10 kW or less

and nonresidential systems of 25 kW 

or less. The law limits the amount of 

net metered generation to 0.1% of the

previous year's peak electricity demand.

Customers can apply the credit for electricity generated from their system to

the following month; however, at the

end of the year, any excess generation is

granted to the utility. The law required

the Virginia State Corporation Commission to establish by regulation the net

metering program to begin no later than

July 1, 2000. For more information on

net metering, contact your local utility

provider or Mr. Ken Jurman, Virginia

Department of Mines, Minerals and

Energy, 202 North 9th Street, 8th Floor,

Richmond, Virginia 23219,

804-692-3222.

Virginia Solar PV Manufacturing

Incentive Grant Program 

Virginia offers photovoltaic manufacturing companies who locate their operations in Virginia one of the most farreaching incentive grants available. 

The program was designed to create

jobs and economic development in

Virginia by encouraging the manufacture of a high-tech renewable energy

project in Virginia. It provides perfor

mance-based incentive grants (up to

$0.75/watt) directly to the companies

who sell PV modules that they manufacture in Virginia. Since the program

was created, Virginia has attracted two

PV manufacturing companies, including BP Solarex and Solar Building

Systems. For more information on this

program, contact: Mr. Ken Jurman,

Virginia Department of Mines,

Minerals and Energy, 202 North 9th

Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, Virginia

23219, 804-692-3222. 

State Contacts and Other Resources

Ken Jurman

Division of Energy

The Department of Mines, Minerals

and Energy

9th Street Office Building, 8th Floor

202 North 9th Street

Richmond, VA 23219

804-692-3226

Maryland, DC, Virginia Solar

Energy Industries Association

Steve Kalland, Acting Director

c/o Capital Sun Group

6503 81st Street

Cabin John, MD 20818

301-229-0671

301-229-0289 (fax)

This organization represents the MidAtlantic region in the Solar Energy

Industries Association, the national

trade association of the solar industry.

Contact them for information about

solar energy and various PV applications.

West Virginia

State Contact

Bill Willis

West Virginia Development Office

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East

Charleston, WV 25305-0311
25

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including

20% postconsumer waste.
Cover photo: This house generates its own electricity from a 4.25-kW PV system

beautifully integrated into the rooftop. A net-metering relationship with their

local utility makes on-site electrical storage unnecessary for these homeowners. 

(Solar Design Associates, Inc./PIX 04470)

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy 

Philadelphia Regional Office

Prepared by the Maryland Energy Administration

September 1999

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