Sunburst Solar urges Hagerstown to act before July 4 to secure federal direct payment for municipal projects

Sunburst Solar representatives briefed the council on solar options for both municipal buildings and residents, emphasizing that government and nonprofit projects can receive a direct federal payment equal to 30–50% of project costs if work starts before July 4.

"The federal tax credit is still in effect for government buildings and commercial as long as the work starts before July 4th," Curtis Hovus said, explaining the Inflation Reduction Act provisions that allow direct payment for public-sector projects. He described MEA (Maryland Energy Administration) 0% financing for government projects, typical payback windows (5–8 years for many small systems), and sample savings: a 100 kW system might save $10,000–$20,000 a year while a one‑megawatt system could save $100,000–$200,000 annually.

Hovus recommended the city pilot projects on high‑use municipal properties (examples discussed included a new fieldhouse and the wastewater campus), offered to produce no‑charge financial quotes, and noted typical processes and timelines: a site survey, permitting (about four to six weeks), utility interconnection (two to three weeks), and a one‑day physical installation for a rooftop system followed by inspection and meter change before operation.

Council members asked about residential options, community solar, credits or checks for overproduction and opt‑out protections for residents. Hovus said community solar and utility credit models are possible but packaging and rollout are policy choices the council would make.

No binding commitment was made; Sunburst Solar will follow up with staff to rank candidate properties and provide detailed cost estimates.