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With gas and electric rates expected to rise by 12.4% by June, Baltimore-based nonprofit Civic Works is stepping in with a sustainable solution. Through its Baltimore Shines program, the organization is installing solar panels on 170 low- and moderate-income homes at no cost to residents. The initiative aims to eliminate electricity bills for vulnerable households while promoting green energy.
Funded by federal and state grants, tax credits, and the American Rescue Plan Act, Civic Works retains ownership of the panels, allowing it to secure solar tax credits for long-term maintenance. The Maryland Energy Administration has recognized the program as an innovative approach to clean energy expansion, inspiring similar efforts statewide.
Beyond financial relief, the program is expected to cut carbon emissions by 700 metric tons annually, addressing Baltimore’s urban heat island effect, which contributes to extreme summer temperatures. Research suggests nearly half of Baltimore’s residents live in areas significantly hotter than surrounding regions. The solar installations not only reduce utility costs but also help insulate homes, improving cooling efficiency.
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Civic Works also integrates workforce development into the initiative, providing job training in the clean energy sector. Many solar installations will be completed by in-house trainees, creating opportunities for sustainable careers.
While experts see Baltimore Shines as a positive step, they emphasize the need for broader implementation to significantly impact the city’s energy challenges. Civic Works continues to push for expansion, making clean energy more accessible to residents in need.
Source: The Baltimore Banner
