The beautiful city of Annapolis, MD has implemented the Annapolis Energy Zone program to simplify the purchase of solar power equipment by its residents.  The program provides loans to Annapolis residents for solar power equipment for their homes which can in turn be repaid by adding the payments, with low interest, onto the resident’s tax bill.  If the buyer should then subsequently move away from the house, the payments would in turn be passed onto the new owner - who would also enjoy the benefits of decreased electric bills.  So basically the program provides upfront capital and low interest, while hedging against circumstances that cause the solar buyer to relocate, so they wouldn’t then be on the hook for a bunch of solar panels they won’t be using.  Seeing how many of the people most interested in renewable energy are young adults whose careers could be transient, this last provision is a nice added feature to provide peace of mind for buyers.

Experimenting with different financial models to get renewable energy off the ground is going to be one of the most interesting challenges of government over the next decade.  This Energy Zone program in Annapolis is a good start, however I hope it can be expanded beyond the borders of Maryland’s capital - which after all is only home to about 36,000 people - as well as to other forms of renewable energy such as wind, geothermal and tidal.  The sun can provide  a good source of power in Maryland, and much of the Northeast and Midwest, for six or seven months out of the year, but during wintertime, when energy needs are high, it is not a viable option.  LINKS:

Maryland General Assembly: Clean Energy Loan Programs

Sustainable Annapolis

Post Carbon Cities: Energy Efficiency and Solar Loans Program Linked to Property Tax in Annapolis