Maryland Energy Administration Residential Incentives, Rebates, Tax Credits, Grants & Loans
Residential Incentives
The Maryland Energy Administration is currently developing our suite of fiscal year 2024 programs, which will be launched as they are developed. For updates, please email us to join our newsletter, follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn), or bookmark this page or our News page. All programs are subject to available funds.
When possible, please submit applications electronically to avoid mail delays. Staff will confirm receipt of electronic applications within one to two business days via email. If you have mailed in your application, we ask that you contact us via phone at 410-537-4000 or 1-800-72-ENERGY or email at DLInfo_MEA@maryland.gov to confirm receipt.
Grants & Loans
| BeSMART Energy Efficiency Loan for Homeowners | Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s loan provides financing to improve energy efficiency, ex.replacing and upgrading appliances, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and whole house envelope improvements. |
| Clean Burning Wood Stove Rebate Program | Receive rebates for clean wood burning stoves. |
|---|---|
| Community Solar LMI-PPA Program | Maryland PSC-approved Subscriber Organizations can apply to receive incentives for supplying PPAs that maximize value to low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers. |
| Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant | Local governments and non-profits can apply for competitive grants to enable energy efficiency projects that benefit Marylanders experiencing low-to-moderate income. |
| **FY24 Program Now Open** Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program | Receive financial assistance to install solar photovoltaic, solar water heating, and geothermal heat pumps. |
Rebates
| EmPOWER Maryland utility-sponsored programs | Passed in 2008 by the Maryland General Assembly, EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, established a goal to reduce per capita electricity usage and peak demand 15% by 2015. Energy efficiency is one of the least expensive ways to meet the growing electricity demands of the state, EmPOWER helps to promote energy efficiency saving Marylanders money. |
Tax Credits
| Energy Storage Tax Credit Program | Take advantage of this Maryland State income tax credit for your qualified energy storage system. |
Inactive Incentives
| Bio-heating oil purchases | Receive tax credits for purchasing biofuels. Inactive program. |
| Community Solar | Allows Maryland residents to purchase subscriptions for energy from community solar arrays. Inactive program. |
| Excise Tax Credits for Plug-In Electric Vehicles | Marylanders may be eligible for a one-time excise tax credit. Inactive program. |
| Maryland Home Energy Loan Program | Apply for energy-efficiency improvement loans of up to $20,000. Inactive program. |
| Residential Wind Energy Grant Program | Offers Maryland residents the opportunity to install and manage their own wind energy systems. Inactive program. |
MARYLANDDepartment of Housing and
Community Development
BeSMART Energy Efficiency Loan for Homeowners
The BeSMART Home Loan Program provides financing to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. By replacing and upgrading appliances, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and whole house envelope improvements – homeowners can save on the utility bill.
Eligibility
The BeSMART loan is an unsecured loan based on verification of credit and ability to pay.
- Maryland homeowner
- Credit score of 640 or greater
- Debt to income ratio that does not exceed 50%
Loan Terms
Rate is 6.99% APR
Up to $30,000 in financing is available for energy efficiency measures for a term up to 10 years.
Minimum loan amount is $5,000.
How to get a BeSMART Home Loan
- Submit the online BeSMART Loan Application or the paper BeSMART Loan Application.
- Email all required income documentation to get pre-approved on a financial basis.
- Submit project specifications – including scope of work, contractor estimates, and ENERGY STAR® equipment specifications.
- Complete loan documents – Once the specific project is approved, the loan documents provided by DHCD must be signed and notarized.
- Start your project – the project kicks off with an initial draw of funds to start work.
- Complete your project – You and your contractor will confirm work has been completed to specifications, your contractor will submit photos, and you will both sign a Certificate of Completion for the final draw to be issued.
Eligible Energy Saving Measures
- Insulation and air sealing
- ENERGY STAR® heating and cooling systems
- ENERGY STAR® hot water heating equipment
- ENERGY STAR® appliances, roofing, windows, doors
- Lighting and controls
- Programmable and smart thermostats
- Ceiling fans and ventilation fans
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Solar photovoltaic*
- Health and safety costs related to energy improvements **
- Other improvements identified in a certified energy audit
*Financing for solar photovoltaic installation is capped at a 1:1 match to the cost of energy efficiency measures.
**Up to 25% of the cost of the energy measures can be used to complete health and safety improvements that are necessary for the energy improvements – including ventilation, radon mitigation, abating asbestos, mold or lead, and code compliance.
Borrowers may be required to pay for any costs not covered by this percentage to complete the project.
How to Find a Contractor
For BeSMART, homeowners may choose their own contractor. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development requires that the contractor have a valid Maryland Home Improvement Contractor license or a Maryland HVACR license and they must meet the BeSMART insurance requirements. They must also agree to the BeSMART Contractor Terms and Conditions. You can check your local utility website for a list of contractors.
- BGE
- PEPCO
- Delmarva Power
- Potomac Edison
- SMECO
- For all Contractors:
- Yellow Pages
- Yelp
- For both of these resources, type the trade that you need and the location.
More Information
CONTACT: BeSMART Home Loan Program
Community Development Administration
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
E: BeSmartHome.dhcd@maryland.gov
P: 301-429-7402