Ch. 128

2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(II) "SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY" DOES NOT INCLUDE A SWIMMING
POOL. HOT TUB. OR ANY OTHER ENERGY STORAGE MEDIUM THAT HAS A FUNCTION
OTHER THAN STORAGE.

(5) "SOLAR WATER HEATING PROPERTY" MEANS SOLAR ENERGY
PROPERTY THAT:

(I)      WHEN INSTALLED IN CONNECTION WITH A STRUCTURE, USES
SOLAR ENERGY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING HOT WATER FOR USE WITHIN THE
STRUCTURE; AND

(II)     MEETS APPLICABLE PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY STANDARDS
AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF ACQUISITION OF
THE PROPERTY. AS SPECIFIED BY THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION.

(B)     THERE IS A SOLAR ENERGY GRANT PROGRAM IN THE ADMINISTRATION.

(C)     THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS,
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND BUSINESSES FOR A PORTION OF THE COSTS OF
ACQUIRING AND INSTALLING PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTY AND SOLAR WATER
HEATING PROPERTY.

(D)     THE ADMINISTRATION SHALL:

(1)      ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM;

(2)      ESTABLISH APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR THE PROGRAM; AND

(3)      AWARD GRANTS FROM THE PROGRAM.

(E)     A GRANT AWARDED UNDER THE PROGRAM MAY NOT EXCEED:

(1)      FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTY INSTALLED ON RESIDENTIAL
PROPERTY. THE LESSER OF $3.000 OR 20% OF THE TOTAL INSTALLED COST OF THE
PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTY;

(2)      FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTY INSTALLED ON NONRESIDENTIAL
PROPERTY. THE LESSER OF $5.000 OR 20% OF THE TOTAL INSTALLED COST OF THE
PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTY; AND

(3)      FOR SOLAR WATER HEATING PROPERTY. THE LESSER OF $2,000 OR
20% OF THE TOTAL INSTALLED COST OF THE SOLAR WATER HEATING PROPERTY.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED. That, for fiscal year 2005,
funding for the Solar Energy Grant Program shall be as provided in the State budget-
It is the intent of the General Assembly that beginning in fiscal year 2006, at least
$500,000 shall be included annually in the State budget for the Solar Energy Grant
Program.

SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect July 1, 2004 January 1, 2005.

Approved April 27, 2004.

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