Financial incentives are in place to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technology and practices in homes and businesses. Energy-efficient incentives include low-interest loans, grants, rebates, bonds, tax credits, and sales tax exemptions. These financial incentives on eligible products help to lower upfront costs and shorten the time it can take to receive payback for energy-efficient upgrades. Energy-efficient incentives vary by state. Here’s a brief look at what’s available in Maryland.

Incentives for Maryland

Incentives for MD include the following programs.

• Smart Energy Communities Grant Program: Local governments can select two out of three energy efficiency policies to become members of a Smart Energy Community. The three policies Maryland communities can choose from are related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reducing petroleum usage in the transportation industry. After enacting the policies, the local government is eligible for grants ranging from $36,000 to $625,000. The state will also provide technical assistance to ensure successful project completion.
• Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Grant Program: The program provides grants to commercial, agricultural, and industrial entities to aid in the adoption of energy-efficient practices in the previously mentioned industries.
• MARBIDCO Rural Business Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Fund
• Be SMART Hone and Multifamily Efficiency Loan Programs
• Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program: Businesses, state agencies, local governments, and non-profits can apply for low-interest loans to assist in financing their energy-efficiency projects.
• Data Center Energy Efficiency Grant Program: The DCEEG program offers grants to industrial, commercial, non-profit, and state/local data facilities located in the state with a floor size of at least 1,000 square feet. The grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient practices.
• Combined Heat and Power Grant Program: Maryland organizations can apply for the grant to help offset costs associated with the installation of CHP systems in their facilities. The program’s goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce operating costs, increase sustainability, and improve facilities’ resilience to power disruptions. Financial incentives are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to a range of building types across multiple industries.
• Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant Program
• Energy-Water Infrastructure Program
• Commercial Clean Energy Program: The program provides loans for new construction projects and retrofits aimed at achieving low energy usage. The program requires the Home Energy Rating System score to be 50 or less upon project completion.
• Resilient Maryland
• Streetlight and Outdoor Lighting Efficiency Pilot Program: The FY22 Streetlight and Outdoor Lighting Efficiency (SOLE) pilot program is gearing up to award grants to eligible communities and other entities that are replacing energy-inefficient pole-mounted lighting fixtures like street lights, parking lot lighting, parks, athletic fields, and other outdoor lighting systems. The pilot program also requires the installation of energy-saving lighting controls. The grants are designed to help offset costs associated with these projects.
• Decarbonizing Public Schools Pilot Program: The program will help local education agencies (LEAs) create strategies promoting clean and efficient energy usage in existing and future K12 schools, along with the educational district’s support facilities. The program contains two parts. Area of Interest (AOI 1) defers costs associated with energy data management and the use of ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. AOI 2 assists in covering the costs of implementing a net zero energy design into the facility.

Commercial Incentive and Rebate Recovery with Incentive Rebate360

To learn more about these energy-efficient incentives in Maryland, contact Incentive Rebate360. We can help you find and apply for incentive programs to fit your retrofit or new construction project. Call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.

Reference: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (2023). State and Local Policy Database. ACEEE. https://database.aceee.org/state/financial-incentives