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Science Center's Solar Panels Plan Sparks Debate

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A battle is brewing at the Inner Harbor waterfront over the Maryland Science Center's plan to put solar panels over its parking lot.  Federal Hill residents say it will threaten their view.

Kai Jackson has more.

The Science Center says the panels will further their mission of education, but critics say it'll just create an eyesore.

The Maryland Science Center is a beacon of education and they hope to use the panels to further people's knowledge of green energy. 

"We want to educate people about the possibilities of solar energy," said Van Reiner.

Approximately 330 panels will be placed on top of carport-type structures.  Constellation Energy will be responsible for the panels and the Science Center will then buy the energy back from the company.

"We're not doing it to save a bundle of money," Reiner said, saying that it's for educational purposes.

But some fear it will be an eyesore.

"Our property values will go down because our houses are the closest to that," said Nolan North.

The Federal Hill Homeowners' Association will take a vote on it.  That vote will be taken into account before the Science Center gets permission to install the solar panels.

The plan will cost between $400,000 and $500,000.

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