Save money with solar energy

Regarding your recent report “Baltimore residents form solar energy co-op” (April 11) there has been an important development for solar energy in Maryland.

This month the General Assembly passed a bill championed by Sen. Victor Ramirez and Del. Luke Clippinger that would allow all Maryland residents to take advantage of the benefits of solar energy through the creation of a community solar program.

Community solar allows participants to subscribe to the energy produced by a solar system and receive credit on their energy bill based upon its output. This allows them to save money with solar.

As your report noted, many homeowners who want to go solar can’t do so for various reasons. Some families, like ours, have too much shade on their roofs, while others have older roofs or roofs that are not properly oriented.

Community solar means any homeowner — or renter for that matter — who wants to use solar to lower his or her monthly electric bill can.

As a Marylander who was unable to put solar on my own roof, I applaud this action by our legislature and look forward to the opportunity to save money on my utility bills with solar energy.

Patrick Wojahn, College Park The writer represents District 1 on the College Park City Council.