Tools and Resources

Authors: Drew Schiavone

UMD's Solar Energy Curriculum is an educational program aimed at equipping homeowners, farmers, business owners, and educators with the skills to effectively use solar energy. It covers topics such as system design, market dynamics, financial considerations, and regulatory aspects. Participants can choose from tailored tracks to meet specific goals, whether it's reducing energy costs, promoting sustainability, or educating others. By completing the program, individuals will acquire the knowledge to design, install, and maintain solar PV systems, as well as understand financial incentives and navigate regulatory landscapes, ultimately becoming advocates for sustainable energy solutions. Author: Drew Schiavone, Ph.D.; Title: Solar Energy Curriculum (EC-2024-0710).

Authors: Gary Felton - Stephanie Lansing - Andrew Moss - Katherine Klavon

Anaerobic digestion is a process where anaerobic bacteria break down organic material to produce biogas. This process occurs naturally in various environments and can be used in anaerobic digesters to treat and dispose of waste, generate biogas, and destroy pathogens. The biogas produced consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide, with trace levels of other gases. Authors: Gary Felton, Stephanie Lansing, Andrew Moss, and Katherine Klavon; Title: Anaerobic Digestion: Basic Processes for Biogas (FS-994).

Authors: Paul Goeringer - Ashley Newhall - Jon Moyle

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the lawful uses of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or more commonly as drones, are currently limited to military, research, and recreational applications. Under the FAA’s view, commercial uses of drones are illegal unless approved by the Federal government. This will change in the future. Congress authorized the FAA to develop regulations for the use of drones by private parties in the U.S by September 30, 2015 (FAA Modernization Act of 2012). FAA missed this deadline, but expects comprehensive regulations for drones to be completed by June 2016 (Jansen, 2015). History shows that the law rarely keeps up with technology. Courts often struggle when applying existing laws and previous rulings to modern technology. State legislatures can help clearly define some of the rules to guide courts in how to handle new technology. Drones have the potential to benefit producers (through crop and livestock monitoring), but they present new challenges as other groups begin to use the technology. Authors: Paul Goeringer, Ashley Newhall, and John Moyle; Title: Privacy Issues and the Use of sUAS/Drones in Maryland (FS-998)

Authors: Jonathan S. Kays

Knowing why and how to measure wood moisture in your firewood is key to reducing emissions and maximizing the amount of heat you get from your wood stove.This factsheet provides some examples of drying time for firewood and practical steps you can take to properly season firewood for your wood stove.

Authors: Jonathan S. Kays

Wood is a plentiful and accessible fuel for many Marylanders. Wood burns relatively clean and comes from a renewable resource —the rural or urban forest. Coal and oil supplies are limited, are not renewable, and the cost of these fuels continue to increase. Heating costs consume a significant percentage of earnings of low‐ to moderate‐income families. Heating with fuelwood can greatly reduce utility bills for these households.

Authors: Bryan Butler - Lisa Bauer

This publication summarizes a project that took place in the Mid-Atlantic region, but high tunnels can be successfully used in a wide variety of climates and locations. They are especially profitable when located close to good markets, such as urban and peri-urban areas.

Authors: Melissa Bollman - John Ackerly - Jonathan S. Kays

Unless you’re an expert and have been trained in wood stove installation, it’s better to have your stove put in by a certified hearth professional. Attempting to do the job yourself, while it may seem cheaper, is full of safety risks. Needless to say, it’s not recommended. And, there is a chance that your insurance policy will not cover any fire related damage. This fact sheet will provide important considerations to follow.