Everyone talks about solar energy, but no one does anything about it. At least that’s the way it has seemed since the 1970s, when generating power from sunlight first became a mainstream topic of conversation. But a slew of recent events in the state of Maryland show that the renewable energy movement is steadily gaining traction.
- Westover, Maryland – An old farm will soon be in the harvesting business again. But this time the crop will be electricity created from photovoltaic panels, thanks to a solar power company. Expected output is expected to reach four megawatts, effectively doubling the amount of sun-based energy generated in this rural area.
- Caroline County, Maryland – A solar design firm recently completed construction of an eight-acre facility in this coastal community. The electricity generated will be used to power three public schools. The finished project contains over 8200 ground-based panels and will provide not only energy but also a learning opportunity for the students.
- Rock Hall, Maryland – Mayor Robert Willis recently announced his town has embarked on a partnership with a local utility that will provide 75% of the power needs for several public buildings. These include a water treatment facility, an elementary school, and town hall. The energy will be generated by 5300 ground-based panels and create 1674 megawatt hours of electricity, which will be sold to the town on a metered basis.
- Washington, DC - Solar Energy Focus 2012, the premier solar power event on the East Coast, is coming to the nation’s capitol on November 27-28. The event will draw hundreds of experts and other officials together to discuss ways to promote the future of solar and other renewable energy forms. More information is available at the official web site.
Sometimes change comes quickly, as it does during political revolutions or major weather events. Other times it arrives at a slower pace, like with a steady drip of water that forms a canyon over eons. For renewable energy advocates, it often seems like the widespread use of solar technologies might take centuries as well. But so long as progress is being made, the future of the movement and of a cleaner, healthier planet is assured. That’s something to be thankful for at this time of year.