Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentives

On this page:

Montgomery County Incentives

Maryland State Incentives

Federal Incentives

Utility Incentives

This page describes available incentives and tax credits available to residents of Montgomery County to:

1. Improve energy-efficiency in the home
2. Add renewable technologies to the home. 

Do you have a story about an energy-efficiency or renewable energy project you’d like to share?  Tell us about it!  Email DEP.  We may decide to showcase your project on our Web site!

 Montgomery County Incentives

Property Tax Credits for Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects

Legislation was passed on Earth Day, April 22, 2008, to provide residents with Property Tax Credits for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects implemented at home.  Property Tax Credits up to  $250 are available for the installation of eligible energy-efficiency devices.  The application for the Property Tax Credits and more information is available on the Department of Finance Web site, or by calling 240-777-8931.  

Property Tax Credits for the installation of renewable energy projects, such as solar photovoltaics (PV), solar water heaters or geothermal systems have been allocated for this fiscal year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009).  However, the Department of Finance will be serving applications as they are received starting in the new fiscal year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010).  Tax credits will be available up to $250,000 per fiscal year.  Submit an application for completed solar or geothermal projects to the Department of Finance, Division of Treasury, 255 Rockville Pike, Suite L-15, Rockville, MD 20850, to be placed in queue for future tax credits. 

Please direct any questions regarding the Montgomery County Property Tax Credits to the Department of Finance, Division of Treasury: 240-777-8931, or send an email.   

Clean Energy Rewards

This program provides monetary rewards for purchasing clean energy (wind, solar) from energy suppliers or renewable energy certificate (REC) marketers, or for generating clean energy on-site.  Montgomery County residents, businesses, and organizations are eligible.  Visit the Clean Energy Rewards Web site for more information.

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 Maryland State Incentives

Maryland Energy Administration Grant Programs

Grants monies for geothermal systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and solar water heaters provided by the Maryland Energy Administration have been allocated for the year.  However, funds are still available for the installation of small wind turbines.  Check the MEA Web site directly for more information.

Become a Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) Certified Solar Facility 

The State of Maryland requires that all standard offer electricity be comprised of a percentage of electricity generated from solar energy sources.  To meet this demand, the Maryland Public Service Commission created a process for Maryland solar photovoltaic (PV) system owners (residential and commercial) to sell their renewable energy certificates (RECs) to energy suppliers.  This revenue generating stream can offset some of the cost of installing a solar PV system.  Please see the Public Service Commission’s Web site for more information, or call 800-492-0474 ext. 8059.

Additional Incentives for Maryland Residents and Businesses

Residents and businesses can learn more about Maryland incentives and tax credits through the DSIRE Web site.   

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 Federal Incentives

Tax credits for energy efficiency improvements are available for 2009 and 2010 tax years.  Visit ENERGY STAR for more information about projects, incentive structure, and IRS forms. 

Tax credits for solar, geothermal and small wind projects are available until December 31, 2016.  Visit ENERGY STAR for more information and IRS forms.

Residents and businesses can also learn more about Federal incentives and tax credits through the DSIRE Web site.

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Utility Incentives

Local electric utilities are now offering customers rebates and discounts on energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and other programs to improve home efficiency and help save money on energy costs.   

Pepco Programs

Pepco customers can get a rebate on the following energy-efficient appliances:

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators ($50 rebate)
• ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners ($25 rebate)
• Electric water heaters with an Energy Factor of 0.93 or greater ($20 rebate). 

All purchases must be made after September 15, 2009.  Rebate forms and program information is available on Pepco's web site. 

Pepco customers can also get discounts on energy-efficient CFL light bulbs at select Maryland retailers.  Visit Pepco's CFL Campaign web site for a store list and discount information. 

Montgomery County residents can also receive a free, installed programmable thermostat from Pepco and opt to participate in an energy reduction program.  Pepco’s Energy Wise Rewards^TM program allows Pepco to cycle your central air conditioner over short intervals (conservation periods) on selected summer days.  If you choose to participate in Pepco’s Energy Wise Rewards program you will also receive a cash reward and bonus of up to $160 the first year and $80 each year thereafter, depending on your participation level.  Visit Pepco's Energy Wise Rewards program web site for more information.   

BG&E Programs

For a complete overview of BG&E's programs and energy-saving opportunities available through the BG&E Smart Energy Savers Program, please visit the BG&E web site.  A few of the available programs are highlighted below. 

BG&E customers can get a rebate on the following energy-efficient appliances:

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators and clothes washers ($50 rebate)
• ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners ($25 rebate)

BG&E customers can also get a $50 reward for recycling old, working refrigerator or freezer.  Visit BG&E's Smart Energy Savers Program web site for more information.

Tune-up your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and get a rebate through BG&E.  Rebates are also available for duct sealing and high-efficiency HVAC systems.  Visit BG&E Heating and Cooling programs web site for more information.

BG&E customers can get discounts on on energy-efficient CFL light bulbs at select Maryland retailers.  Visit BG&E's Lighting program web site for more information. 

BG&E customers can get a programmable thermostat through the BG&E PeakRewards^SM Program.  This program gives customers a free, installed programmable thermostat and allows BG&E to cycle your central air conditioner over short intervals (conservation periods) on selected summer days.  A similar program for electric water heaters is also available.  If you choose to participate in PeakRewards program for either air conditioner or water heaters you will also receive a cash reward and bonus of up to $100 for each season you participate, depending on your participation level.  Visit BG&E's PeakRewards program for more information.

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