Tax break could mean more solar panels in Anne Arundel (MD)

[jpak]

http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/solar113008.html

More solar panels could populate roofs in Anne Arundel in the coming years, saving homeowners money on their electric bills but also draining some of the county’s limited tax revenue given the regional appeal for solar energy.

A bill before the county council would give a property tax credit to homeowners who install solar panels that produce electricity. A technical change is needed because the current credit only applies to solar energy used to heat water.

“Anne Arundel is home to two-coal fired power plants, and this bill goes with that saying, ‘Think globally and act locally,’ ” said Councilman Josh Cohen, D-Annapolis, a bill co-sponsor.

<snip>

When Howard changed its tax break in 2007 to include solar electricity, the county saw the number of residents applying for the credit jump from 10 in 2006 to 41 this year, said Joshua Feldmark, Howard’s environmental sustainability director.

<more>

[midnight]

1. Thats a tought one. Save the village or save the planet?

[w4rma]

2. Not really. A little lost tax revenue that will be made up elsewhere isn't anything to worry about.

Especially when the revenue that will replace it will be from green energy.