(a) (1) There is a solar energy pilot program to promote the use of solar energy systems to generate electricity in public school buildings in the State. (2) The pilot program shall be implemented and administered by the Interagency Commission and shall operate as provided in this section. (b) The Interagency Commission shall: (1) Encourage all local boards in the State to study, design, and construct or renovate school buildings that are energy efficient and use solar energy systems to generate electricity to meet some of the school building's electrical energy needs, electrical energy demand, or a combination of the electrical energy needs and electrical energy demand; (2) Provide grants out of State funds dedicated for this program to local boards to assist in implementing the use of solar energy systems at existing public schools or in new or renovated school building projects; and (3) Develop a procedure for a local board to apply for a grant in accordance with subsection (c) of this section. (c) (1) A local board may apply to the Interagency Commission for a grant to cover 90% of the cost to purchase and install a solar energy system to generate a portion of the school building's electrical energy needs or electrical energy demand. (2) A local board that receives a grant under this subsection shall pay: (i) 10% of the cost to purchase and install the solar energy system; and (ii) All architectural or engineering fees for the design and supervision of the installation of the solar energy system. (3) The Interagency Commission may award a grant under this section for a solar energy system project. (d) Local school systems are encouraged to seek private funding to implement the pilot program. (e) The total savings of electrical energy needs and electrical energy demand costs that result from the installation and use of solar energy systems under this section shall remain with the local school system. (f) (1) The Interagency Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration shall cooperate with, assist, provide technical assistance to, and advise school systems to identify appropriate existing public school buildings and public school construction projects that would benefit from the installation of solar energy systems. (2) The Interagency Commission shall adopt procedures necessary to implement this section.
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