Commercial Clean Energy Rebate Program

Program Overview

Implementing Sector State
Category Financial Incentive
State Maryland
Incentive Type Rebate Program
Web Site http://energy.maryland.gov/business/Pages/incentives/cleanenergygrants.aspx
Administrator Maryland Energy Administration
Funding Source Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF)
Start Date 11/06/2009
Expiration Date When funding is exhausted
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Water Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Federal Government
Incentive Amount
  • PV (1-8 kW-dc): $1,000
  • PV (8-108 kW-dc): $1,000 + $150/kW *(capacity – 8 kW)
  • PV (108-250.0 kW-dc): $16,000+$100/kW*(capacity–108 kW)
  • PV (250-375 kW-DC) *Rooftop only*: $20,000+$80/kW*(capacity-250 kW)
  • SWH: $20/square foot
  • Geothermal Heating and Cooling:
    • 1-10 tons: $3,000/ ton
    • 10-50 tons: $3,000 + $400*(capacity-10 tons)
Maximum Incentive
  • Ground-mount PV: $20,000
  • Rooftop PV: $30,000
  • Solar Water Heating: $12,000
  • Geothermal: $12,000
Eligible System Size
  • PV: 1 - 250 kW, 1 - 375 kW Rooftop
  • SWH: 10 - 20,000 square feet
  • Geothermal: 1 - 50 tons
Equipment Requirements
  • All equipment must be new
  • PV: systems must be grid-tied and meet all applicable UL, IEEE, and NEC standards, and be in compliance with the state net metering law;
  • SHW: collectors must be SRCC OG-100 certified
  • GHC: Must meet ENERGY STAR standards and must displace electric or non-natural gas heating
Installation Requirements Installer NABCEP certification will be required for PV systems
Ownership of Renewable Energy Credits Remains with project owner

Summary

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers rebates for mid-sized photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heating systems (SWH) and Geothermal Heating & Cooling (GHC) installed by businesses, non-profits, and local governments.  Funding is available on first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to change based on funding availability.

Program Description

The incentive amounts for each technology depends on the capacity of system. 

Commercial Clean Energy Rebates

Resource Conversion Technology

Installed Capacity Range

Award/Capacity Unit

Solar Photovoltaics (PV)

1-8 kW-dc

8-108 kW-dc

108-250.0 kW-dc

 

Roof-Mounted:

250.1 – 375 kW-DC

 

$1,000

$1,000 + 150/kW * (capacity – 8kW

$16,000 + $100/kW * (capacity – 108 kW)

 

 

$20,000 + $80/kW * capacity

$30,000 maximum

 

Solar Water Heating (SWH)

10-2,000 sq. ft.

$20/sq. ft., 

$12,000 maximum

Geothermal Heating & Cooling (GHC)

1-10 tons

10-50.0 tons

$3,000

$3,000+$400 * (capacity – 10 tons)

 

$12,000 maximum

 

All systems and components must be new and comply with standard equipment, installation, and warranty requirements intended to make sure that installations operate safely and effectively.  The MEA notes that the Maryland Office of the Comptroller has determined that the solar incentives offered under this program are taxable for federal income tax purposes and state income tax purposes (a 2012 change). Please visit the program web site for further information on applications, qualification requirements, and more detailed information on the terms and conditions. Incentives for small wind projects are available under Windswept Grant Program.

 

Authorities

Name MD STATE-GOVT §9-20B-01 et seq.
Name COMAR 14.26.04

Contact

David St. Jean
Organization:
Energy and Sustainability
Address:
301 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone:
(410) 767-4472
E-Mail:
david.stjean1@maryland.gov