Home Energy | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: September 13, 2023

Sustainable Design

This resource is part of Home Energy curriculum which explores practical, cost-effective, and innovative strategies to improve your home energy performance. This segment explores some common home energy ratings, tips for managing energy efficient landscaping, and various renewable energy options for your home. Learn how to plan and assess a passive solar design, how to save energy through the use of shade trees and windbreaks, and how to implement a renewable energy system for your home.

Updated: September 1, 2023

Solar Inverter

This resource is part of the Solar-Clips series which explores various tips and tools for working with solar photovoltaics. An overview is given on the function and integration of an inverters for solar electric systems. By reviewing this resource, you will be able to select, size, and install an inverter for a solar electric system.

Updated: September 1, 2023

Battery Backup

This resource is part of the Solar-Clips series which explores various tips and tools for working with solar photovoltaics. An overview is given on integrating battery backup for a solar electric system. By reviewing this resource, you will be able to size, design, and install a battery backup system.

Updated: September 1, 2023

Solar Design

This resource is part of the Solar-Clips series which explores various tips and tools for working with solar photovoltaics. An overview is given on how to perform a load assessment of your electrical use, as well as a site assessment of the local solar resource, including a shade analysis. By reviewing this resource, you will be able to size and design a solar electric system for your site to achieve optimal performance.

Updated: June 28, 2023

Working on Solar Panels and Power Output (FS-2022-0646)

This fact sheet demonstrates how the average consumer, with a simple set of tools, can calculate the real-world capabilities of a solar panel. These skills are particularly important when identifying a defective solar panel and/or confirming the output of a solar panel when its output parameters are unknown. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Working on Solar Panels and Power Output (FS-2022-0646)

Updated: February 1, 2023

Home Energy Webinar Series

Series of webinars on home energy.

Roof with text Home Energy Wednesday Webinar Series

Updated: January 20, 2023

Solar Panels are an Increasingly Common Sight on Urban and Rural Properties Across Maryland (EB-455)

In this report, we explore the historical trends, current status, and potential growth of Maryland’s solar photovoltaic (PV) market in terms of market share, use sectors, and current investments. Author, Drew Schiavone. Title: Solar Panels are an Increasingly Common Sight on Urban and Rural Properties Across Maryland (EB-455)

Updated: October 20, 2022

Solar Workshops 2022

Workshop series on solar energy

Updated: March 24, 2022

Maryland’s Energy Market: The State Consumes More Energy than it Produces (FS-1188)

This report explores the historical trends, current status, and potential growth of Maryland’s solar photovoltaic (PV) market in terms of market share, use sectors, and current investments. The report also addresses the deployment capacity and market potential for residential, commercial, and utility-scale sectors within Maryland. Various solar initiatives, legislation, and other enabling policies currently impacting the solar market are also discussed. Author: Drew Schiavone; Title: Maryland’s Energy Market: The State Consumes More Energy than it Produces (FS-1188)

Updated: March 24, 2022

A Brief Guide to On-Farm Solar (FS-1187)

The purpose of this report is to provide farmers with important information regarding the development of on-farm solar PV systems. We explore the opportunities, motivations, and benefits of installing solar PV for your home, farm or business. Author: Drew Schiavone, Title: A Brief Guide to On-Farm Solar (FS-1187)