2022 EDUCATION SESSIONS
Why Montgomery County is One of the Best Markets for Solar PV
April 5, 10:15 to 11:15 am
Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room, & Online
Approved for 1.0 general GBCI CE & 1.0 AIA LU
Speakers
Mark Manthy, Commercial Business Development, Lumina Solar
Rob Bindeman, President, Landmark Realty
Timothy Barranco, Partner, Sustainability Director, Lorax Partnerships, LLC
Description
By understanding the Montgomery County REC market, the county energy reduction and green building tax credit, updates to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, and by diving into one owner’s experience developing in Montgomery County, we will explore why Montgomery County is one of the best markets for Solar Photovoltaics.
Through this panel discussion, we will explore the changes to the Montgomery County High Performance Building Tax Credit, including the energy reduction path as well as the green building path, and how it can be optimized by adding Solar PV to project. We will then dive into the beneficial Renewable Energy Credit (REC) pricing structure in Montgomery County and the surround areas due to the Washington, DC solar REC map.
Subsequently, we will discuss the nuances of the Solar Federal Tax Credit, which can range from 30% to 60% due to 10% adders for low-income project, higher worker wage rates, and USA-made products. We will also explore new changes to the Solar Federal Tax Credit which previously excluded non-profits, that now provides a 30% rebate to non-profits, schools, religious organizations, etc.
The panel discussion will also explore the ways in which Solar PV can lead to higher levels of green building certification, which can further amplify the Montgomery County High Performance Building Tax Credit and sustainability outcomes.
With all of the synergistic information garnered in this panel discussion, the speakers will dive into relevant case studies. From the developer’s perspective, the discussion will dive into the initial impetus for their development. We will also explore the developer’s motives and considerations when developing in Montgomery County as well as the benefits of pursuing Solar PV from the developer’s perspective. These benefits include lower utility costs for the building owner and lessees. Further, the developer will connect the solar installation to higher levels of green building certification, maximizing the Montgomery County High Performance Building Tax Credit.
We will finish by exploring the ancillary benefits of these incentives that lead to high levels of LEED certification. These benefits include a profitability, faster lease up, higher leases for the owner, lower utility rates, healthier occupants, and enhanced marketing opportunities.
Learning Objectives
-
Discuss the new Montgomery County energy reduction-based tax credit and how it can be optimized by adding Solar PV to projects.
-
Dive into the beneficial REC pricing structure in Montgomery County and the surrounding areas.
-
Understand the nuances of the Solar Federal Tax Credit focusing on the added bonuses for low-income projects, higher worker wage rates, USA-made products, as well as how the tax credit can be applied as a rebate to non-profit organizations that don’t have a tax appetite.
-
Explore how Solar PV can allow for higher levels of green building certification, further increasing the Montgomery County High Performance Building Tax Credit and sustainability performance.
-
Review case studies of new construction projects in Montgomery County and explore the decision making behind a Developer’s choices to develop in Montgomery County and include Solar PV on their projects.