Standard Solar Commends Gov. O'Malley for Signing Solar Legislation into Law

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Solar, Inc. today commended Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley for signing legislation into law increasing the amount of electricity required to be generated by the state's utilities and other electricity suppliers and extending the current compliance penalty if they do not meet the mandated amounts.

"This legislation is an investment in Maryland's emerging clean energy economy and builds on the steps the Governor has taken to vault the state into the leadership ranks on a per capita basis in the generation of electricity from solar and other renewable sources," said Scott Wiater, President, Standard Solar. "The 50-plus jobs we have created at Standard Solar over the past two years are a direct result of the Governor's original 2007 solar law. This improves the economic multiplier that the solar industry has become and will help the solar industry and those with a stake in it to continue to grow."

This year's solar law, which originated as Senate Bill 277, extends the compliance fee of $400 for each megawatt shortfall in the generation of electricity from solar photovoltaic systems to 2014. After that it declines gradually in anticipation of declining industry costs. The compliance fee payments are used to fund clean energy programs, including solar grants issued by the Maryland Energy Administration.

Senate Bill 277 was co-sponsored originally by state Senator Rob Garagiola of Montgomery County along with Senators Jennie Forehand, Brian Frosh, Richard Madaleno, Nancy King  and Michael Lenett – all also of Montgomery County – Nathanial McFadden of Baltimore City and Paul Pinsky of Prince George's County.

About Standard Solar

Standard Solar is a full-service developer, integrator and installer of solar electric systems for academic, commercial, government and residential customers throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.StandardSolar.com.

SOURCE Standard Solar, Inc.