Own a Bit of the Sun: Solar Power, Part 2
Peter Heck & Jane Jewell • May 25, 2021
Homeowners considering solar power have a number of options available. As our article
in the April 27 edition of Common Sense
outlined, there are four main ways to go solar: owning, leasing, sharing, or going solar “virtually.”
Do you want to own your own solar panels, or to lease your roof space to a company that sells the power the panels generate to a utility company and passes on some of the savings to you? Or do you want to join other homeowners in a consortium where each member owns a share in a solar array somewhere? Or are you happy just asking your utility company to supply you with power generated exclusively by solar or wind?
Owning your own system requires the largest financial investment, with typical installation costs at $40,000 to $60,000. But don’t panic; homeowners can often reduce their investment by a third or more by taking advantage of federal, state, and even local tax credits, grants, and other incentives. Federal tax credits were due to expire at the end of 2020, but have been extended through the end of 2021 in response to the covid-19 pandemic, and anyone seeking to install a system is advised to research them. See the link at the end of this article for a list of possibilities.
In addition to the startup cost, owning your solar power system commits you to more than a decade of running your home on solar energy before the savings begin to exceed the installation costs. But the tradeoffs in energy independence, and in knowing you’re doing your part to help the planet, are hard to beat.
Kent County resident Johnson Fortenbaugh, in a recent phone interview, gave Common Sense an overview of the process. His solar array has been in service since January 2019. Before installation, he said, his electric bills were in the vicinity of $100 a month. Since then, he has received about $1,500 a year in payments from the utility company for the power he has generated.
He receives annual payments, though the rate at which the system generates power varies from month to month depending on the season, as well as his home power usage. But it’s likely his system will pay for itself in less than 20 years, roughly the effective lifetime of the panels. “That’s a good incentive to take good care of your health, so you’ll live to see the benefits,” he said.
Fortenbaugh didn’t get into solar power on a whim. “We had been looking at solar for several years,” he said. At one point, he joined a solar cooperative sponsored by the Town of Chestertown that brought together a group of homeowners interested in going solar to find out the details of the process and to interview several companies to find the best deal they could get as a group.
Fortenbaugh said that the co-op members could often get a price break by giving the company a group of customers in the same area so they could consolidate costs. Fortenbaugh, who installed his system a couple of years after the co-op, ended up going with a company called CMI, based in Newark, Del. He said CMI was not the cheapest company he interviewed, “but I really liked their experience. They’ve been at it a long time and I called a couple of their references and the people were very happy with the work they had done.”
To determine how economical an installation would be, Fortenbaugh provided the contractor with a year’s worth of utility bills. After looking at the bills, the contractor sent a proposal showing how much the initial costs and ongoing savings would be. Looking back, Fortenbaugh said, “It seems to be pretty accurate.” He and his wife also took advantage of tax credits and other incentives that he said reduced the final price to about $20,000, making the conversion an even more attractive proposition.
Because of the configuration of his property, Fortenbaugh had his solar array installed on the ground instead of on the roof. “We looked at a roof mount, but couldn't do it because our neighbor has tall trees to the south of us, which would shade it,” he said. For obvious reason, the installation has to be located so it receives the maximum possible sunlight. The installation took about two weeks, which included burying the wires coming to the house. After the panels were set up, the county building inspector looked over the job and noticed that there were exposed wires between the panels and the ground. He told them to have the wires shielded to avoid squirrel damage. “Nature’s a tough place,” Fortenbaugh said, chuckling.
Fortenbaugh is satisfied with the contractor’s service. When one of their inverters — a device that switches direct-current power from the panels to alternating current, the standard home electrical current in the U.S. — went out, a software system included in the solar package detected the flaw. The contractor immediately replaced the defective unit. “It was all covered under warranty,” Fortenbaugh said; the warranty on the inverters was a generous 10 years.
Fortenbaugh researched, but decided against, adding a battery backup system or a home generator to cover when there isn’t sufficient sunlight or when the grid goes down locally. Although he is tied to the local Delmarva Power grid, he generally puts more into the grid than he takes out, essentially selling his power to the utility company. “The meter runs backwards,” he said. On cloudy days or during winter days with fewer hours of sunlight, he pays for what he uses — but as noted, his annual balance has so far come out in his favor.
The experience has made Fortenbaugh a strong advocate for solar power. “It’s the best energy source in the world,” he said. “For all intents and purposes, it's inexhaustible. And it's free, all you’ve got to do is pay for the stuff to catch it. And so we felt like we were leaving money on the table. And we wanted a cleaner environment, quite aware that every gallon of fuel you burn ends up affecting climate change. And I want to be as little a part of that as possible.” He has a bumper sticker on his car — an all-electric Chevy Bolt that he charges off his home array – that reads, “Solar Powered.”
He offered to share the fruit of his experience with anyone interested in researching solar power for their home. Anyone who wants to take him up on his offer can send an email to info@commonsenseeasternshore.org and we’ll forward your contact information to him.
Links:
University of North Carolina Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/01/f70/Guide%20to%20Federal%20Tax%20Credit%20for%20Residential%20Solar%20PV.pdf
Information on Solar Coops: https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/co-ops/
Peter Heck is a Chestertown-based writer and editor, who spent 10 years at the Kent County News and three more with the Chestertown Spy. He is the author of 10 novels and co-author of four plays, a book reviewer for Asimov’s and Kirkus Reviews, and an incorrigible guitarist.
Jane Jewell is a writer, editor, photographer, and teacher. She has worked in news, publishing, and as the director of a national writer's group. She lives in Chestertown with her husband Peter Heck, a ginger cat named Riley, and a lot of books.
Common Sense for the Eastern Shore
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:
Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.
Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
