Maryland Energy Administration

Solar Energy Grant Program

Update: Due to the high level of interest in our Solar Grant Program, a waiting list has been created for all incoming applications. We've successfully allocated all available grant dollars for the current grant program, however we invite you to continue to submit applications for placement on the waiting list. While placement on the waiting list does not assure that future grants will be available, we hope to be able to provide additional support with funding in the near future. Read on to find out about the benefits of installing a solar thermal system in your home or building and learn why our program has been so successful.

Why should I invest in a solar thermal system and how can MEA help?

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

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.

* Under the Solar Energy Grant Program, each party is only entitled to the amount stated on a grant offer. Projects that received a grant offer at the lower amount are not entitled to receive the higher grant amount if the project is completed after July 1, 2008. Recipients of grant offers, who have not received payment, may apply for the higher grant amounts by submitting a new application, however funds are limited.

For additional information, email meainfo@energy.state.md.us or call 1-800-72ENERGY.

Program Update

• New Solar and Geothermal Incentives in Maryland We will be providing a more detailed update to replace this in the near future.
• Grants and 1099 tax forms

General Information

• Solar Energy Grant Program Questions and Answers
• Published Regulations (Apply only until June 30, 2008)

Technical Information

• Solar Water Heating
  • Quick Reference
  • Complete Consumer Guide
• Photovoltaic Solar Energy
  • Quick Reference
  • Complete Consumer Guide
• Solar Water Heaters – How They Work
  For a link to the US Department of Energy’s Web information on solar water heating click here.
• How Small Solar Electric Systems Work
  For a link to the US Department of Energy’s Web information on solar electric systems click here.
• Estimate Your PV System's Output with PV WATTS
  To calculate your PV system's potential output using the estimator provide by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) click here.
• Do-it-Yourself Case Study on Grid-Tied PV
  Robert A. Kessel

Application Information

• Application Process Information Sheet
• Pre-Qualification Form
• Solar Water Heating Application Form (2 pages)
• Photovoltaic Solar Application Form (2 pages)

Grant Awards Information

• Grant Offers and Awards Process Information Sheet
• Sample Terms & Conditions—Solar Water Heating (2 pages)
• Sample Terms & Conditions—Photovoltaics (2 pages)

Completion Information

• Solar Water Heating Completion Certificate (2 pages)
• Photovoltaic Solar Completion Certificate (2 pages)

Application Update Information (for previously submitted applications)

• Application Update Form

Additional Incentives

• Federal Tax Credits

Please note that the federal income tax credits for solar were extended through December 31, 2008. Congress is still considering another extension. Please visit the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) website www.seia.org or the Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy(DSIRE)website www.dsireusa.org for the details and updates.

• Maryland Net Energy Metering Statute

Additional Information

• Maryland Solar Roofs
• Federal Department of Energy Solar Information
• DOE Energy Savers Tips

Local Solar Industry Contacts

Peter Lowenthal, Director
Maryland, DC, Virginia - Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA)
4707 Elmhirst Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814-3954
Phone/fax: 301-530-5343
Email: info@mdv-seia.org
Web site: www.mdv-seia.org

Find Solar
www.findsolar.com