Maryland Energy Administration
www.energy.maryland.gov
Bioheat Tax Credit Program
Bioheat is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. Bioheat is safe and biodegradable, and its use significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and serious toxic air pollutants. In 2007 Maryland passed a Bio-Heating Oil tax Credit. The statute provides for a $0.03/gallon tax credit up to $500 for individuals and corporations that purchase Bio-Heating Oil for the purpose of space and water heating. The statute defines Bio-Heating oil as at least 5% biodiesel. The statute also limits tax credits to the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax years.
For more information, please go to: http://energy.maryland.gov/facts/renewable/BioheatTaxCredit.asp
Contact:
Chris Rice
Maryland Energy Administration
1623 Forest Drive
Suite 300
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
crice@energy.state.md.us
410-260-7207
Geothermal Heat Pump Grant Program
Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating. Their greatest advantage is that this technology works by concentrating naturally existing heat, rather than by producing heat through combustion of fossil fuels.
Benefits of Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump:
- Use 25%–50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems: up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment. This translates to saving you money on energy bills each month.
- Improve humidity control by maintaining about 50% relative indoor humidity, making GHPs very effective in humid areas
GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP GRANT PROGRAM UPDATE
Update: Due to the tremendous level of interest in our Geothermal Grant Program, a waiting list has been created for all incoming applications. We've successfully allocated all grant dollars for the current grant program. MEA is working to develop other funding sources for grants to those on the waiting list. Read on to find out about the benefits of installing a Geothermal Heat Pump system in your home or building and learn why our program has been so successful.
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce that we will be accepting applications for geothermal heat pump grants under the Geothermal Heat Pump Grant Program. Geothermal heat pumps reduce the energy needed to heat and cool a building and can provide domestic hot water as well.
MEA accepts applications throughout the year. The grants are available for installation on property located in the State. The grants are for up to $1,000 for eligible systems. Applicants are encouraged to become familiar with the program terms and conditions and eligibility criteria prior to applying. There is supporting documentation required along with the application forms.
For more information, visit: http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/residential/geothermalgrant/index.asp
Contact:
Joe Cohen
Maryland Energy Administration
1623 Forest Drive
Suite 300
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
jcohen@energy.state.md.us
410-260-7751
Solar Energy Grant Program
Most solar water heating systems cost between $6,000 and $8,000. Although this is usually more than the cost of a conventional gas or electric system, today’s solar heating systems are cost competitive when you consider your total energy costs over the entire life of the system. The Solar Energy Grant Program through the Maryland Energy Administration provides funding for a portion of the costs to install certain qualifying solar energy systems. Grant applications processed beginning July 1, 2008 are eligible to receive:
- Up to $2,500 per kilowatt, up to $10,000 for photovoltaic property
- Up to $3,000 for solar water heating systems
Program Update:
The MEA Solar Energy Grant Program has proven extremely popular and has resulted in an extensive waiting list which MEA intends to fund before the end of the 2009 fiscal year, ending, June 30th, 2009. The funding will originate from a percentage of the proceeds from new funds generated by the Regional Greenhouse Gas initiative.
Looking forward to fiscal year 2010, commencing July 1, 2009, taking into account the increased demand for clean, renewable power in the state, along with the recently amended Federal tax credit lifting its $2,000 limit on solar energy systems, MEA is beginning to look now to issue new regulations for the Solar Grant Program. Before new regulations take effect, MEA will be posting a comment period and any interested parties will be able to submit comments.
Those currently on or added to the Waitlist by November 30th will remain eligible for grant amounts as the program currently stands. Any applications received by MEA after December 1, 2008 will continue to be reviewed, and placed in order on a new waitlist for fiscal year 2010, but official grant calculations for those on the new waitlist will not be finalized by MEA until the new regulations are put in place. More program updates to follow, please check back here regularly.
Benefits of Installing a Solar Thermal System in Your Home or Building:
- Monthly gas or electricity bills will usually be lower and more predictable.
- Solar heating systems insulate you from rising fossil fuel costs and protect you from fuel-price inflation over time.
- Investing in a solar thermal system could also increase the resale value of your home.
- Often, the entire initial cost of the system can be recovered when you sell your property.
- Earn an annual 6% to 25% tax-free rate-of-return on your investment, depending on how hot water usage and energy saved.
- Support technologies that are good for the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
For additional information, go to: http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/residential/solargrants/index.asp
Contact:
Joe Cohen
Maryland Energy Administration
1623 Forest Drive
Suite 300
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
jcohen@energy.state.md.us
410-260-7751
State Anemometer Loan Program
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) state-based anemometer loan program has a rolling application process. The program loans wind measuring devices to property owners; allowing them to quantify and characterize the wind resources available at their property. The program is designed to empower property owners by supporting their interest in wind energy through the loan of anemometers and wind vanes and providing education about wind energy development.
The program has six anemometers; four will be mounted atop 30 meter towers, and two will be mounted atop 50 meter towers that are supported by four sets of guy wires.
The Program is currently waitlisted, but applications will still be accepted and placed in the wait list queue.
The Maryland Environmental Service administers the program in partnership with MEA. For further information about the program or how to apply, please visit: http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/residential/anemometerloan/index.asp
Or contact Joe Cohen at (410) 260-7751 or via jcohen@energy.state.md.us
Windswept Grant Program
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce that we will be accepting applications for small scale wind energy systems from individuals, businesses and local governments beginning July 1, 2008. The Windswept Grant Program will help offset a portion of the cost of small scale wind energy projects. A limited number of grants are available to Marylanders to install eligible wind energy systems of at least 1 kW for residential properties and 1.5 kW for non-residential properties. Grant amounts are $2500/kw for a maximum grant amount of $10,000:
For additional information, go to: http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/residential/windswept/index.asp
Contact email: Joe Cohen at jcohen@energy.state.md.us or call 1-800-72ENERGY.
