(a) This section applies to a person who constructs a generating station that:
(1) has the capacity to produce at least 2 megawatts of electricity from a solar photovoltaic system; and
(2) is exempted under § 7–207.1 of this subtitle from the requirement to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity.
(b) (1) A person shall file an application for approval to construct a generating station under § 7–207.1 of this subtitle at least 6 months before construction commences.
(2) The Commission shall require a person who files an application for approval to construct a generating station to pay a deposit of 1% of total installed costs.
(c) (1) The Commission shall place any deposits collected under subsection (b) of this section into an escrow account.
(2) If a person demonstrates to the Commission that the person is fully authorized to commence construction within 18 months after filing an application for approval, the Commission shall refund the deposit, less reasonable administrative costs.
(3) (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if a person does not commence construction within 18 months after filing an application for approval, the money held in the escrow account shall be:
1. deemed to be abandoned; and
2. transferred to the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund under § 9–20B–05 of the State Government Article, less reasonable administrative costs.
(ii) 1. A person may request an extension for a project that does not commence construction within 18 months after the filing of an application for approval.
2. The Commission may grant the request based on factors the Commission considers compelling, including the occurrence of events outside the person’s control.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Division I - Public Services and Utilities
Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies
Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning
Section 7-201 - Electric Companies -- Long-Range Plans
Section 7-202 - Electric Companies -- Power Plant Sites
Section 7-203 - Electric Companies -- Environmental Surcharge
Section 7-204 - Electric Companies -- Lines and Transmission Devices
Section 7-205 - Electric Companies -- Modification of Power Plant
Section 7-206 - Electric Companies -- Clean Air Act Modifications
Section 7-207 - Generating Stations or Transmission Lines -- General Certification Procedure
Section 7-207.2 - Solar Voltaic Systems
Section 7-209 - Alternatives to Construction of Transmission Lines
Section 7-210 - Municipal Electric Plants
Section 7-211 - Energy Efficiency Programs
Section 7-213 - Service Quality and Reliability
Section 7-213.1 - Service Restoration -- Special Medical Needs Facilities
Section 7-214 - Contact Voltage Risk Zones -- Surveys and Mitigation
Section 7-215 - Sale or Transfer of Solar Electric Generating Facility