Solar Panels Would Get Legal Protection under Md. Bill

As Maryland lawmakers look for ways to boost energy conservation, one Democrat wants a law to give rooftop solar panels legal protection.

House Democratic Leader Kumar Barve of Montgomery County has proposed a measure preventing cities or homeowners associations from banning rooftop solar panels. A homeowners group also would be banned from putting unreasonable restrictions on the panels.

Barve was part of a global warming task force set up last year by Governor Martin O’Malley. Barve says the state needs to do more to encourage energy-efficient buildings, especially when building new schools.

The solar panel bill was introduced Tuesday.