Maryland Energy Administration

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Financial Resources

MD Clean Buildings Hub (1).png​There are several federal, state, utility, and local incentives that commercial building owners can leverage and stack to improve building efficiency, reduce on-site emissions, electrify fossil fuel-powered systems, and generate onsite renewable energy. ​​Review the Energy Savings Performance Contracting and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) webpages for more information on financing building decarbonization projects.
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The Maryland Clean Buildings Hub (the Hub), an initiative of the Maryland Energy Administration, is committed to connecting Maryland property owners with resources to navigate commercial building upgrades. Have questions? Contact [email protected]​.

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​Updated May 2026: the Hub now offers aMaryland Building Decarbonization Incentive Library resource, which provides an overview of incentives Marylanders can leverage to help make investments in their properties that contribute to decarbonization goals.​
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​​​MEA Programs

​The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers a grant programs for building owners seeking to make upgrades to their facilities. 

MEA Grant & Programs ▼
Residential Energy Equity Grant Program: This program combines the former Energy Efficiency Equity Program and Solar Energy Equity Program for the convenience of organizations serving residential buildings and is open to non-profit organizations and local government entities. It offers funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that benefit Maryland residents with low-to-moderate incomes.
Residential & Commercial Energy Storage Program: This program provides grants to support the deployment of energy storage systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Commercial & Community Buildings Grant Program: Provides funding for eligible Maryland commercial and community buildings to support the advancement of building decarbonization projects that result in quantifiable greenhouse gas emissions reductions, which may include the installation of energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy generation and storage technology upgrades.
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​DHCD Funding & Loan Programs

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers a range of programs designed to help Maryland residents make crucial home upgrades through its Whole Home Energy and Repairs Division. 

Eligible households may apply to multiple DHCD programs using its One-Stop Shop Application. After DHCD receives an application, they will qualify the applicant for as many funding sources as possible. Once eligibility is confirmed, the applicant will receive a letter from DHCD with an assigned contractor. To learn more about the individual requirements for each funding source, please review the information below:

DHCD Funding & Loan Programs ▼
Weatherization Assistance Program: WAP is a federally-funded program that assists income-eligible homeowners and renters by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures.
Commercial & EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program: This program helps limited income households with installation of materials and equipment ​at no charge.
Multifamily Energy Efficiency & Housing Affordability (MEEHA) Program: This program provides funding for energy efficiency and housing affordability measures in affordable multifamily rental housing developments.
Multifamily Energy Efficiency & Housing Affordability (MEEHA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program: This program provides funding for multifamily projects to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Net Zero Loan Program:​ Provides low-interest construction loans and loan enhancements for private construction loans for eligible energy efficient homes that produce as much or more energy than they will use.​
​ BeSMART Energy Efficiency Loan for Homeowners Program:​ Provides financing to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of residential homes. By replacing and upgrading appliances, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and whole house envelope improvements, homeowners can save on their utility bills.​ ​
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​​​Department of General Service (DGS) Programs

Explore DGS programs th​at help support the implementation of commercial building decarbonization upgrades.​

DGS Programs ▼
Energy Savings Performance Contracting: DGS manages an energy performance contracting program for State agencies. Through this program, DGS collaborates with state agen​cies to identify potential projects, sites, and buildings for projects.
Decarbonization Planning Task Order: DGS has selected three engineering firms to assist local governments and nonprofits with decarbonization and building energy performance standards (BEPS) compliance planning. Eligible entities benefit from an expedited procurement process by pursuing a work order for the firms’ services via DGS.


​​Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) Programs​

MCEC is Maryland’s green bank. MCEC provides innovative financing, climate tech innovation, and project development support to advance decarbonization. 

MCEC Programs ▼
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE): MCEC administers the State of Maryland's C-PACE program, which is a means of financing energy and/or water efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, or environmental remediation measures in commercial buildings with no up-front cost.
Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program: This program offers loans to Maryland nonprofit organizations, local governments, Maryland businesses, and state agencies to finance up-front costs for energy efficiency and conservation projects to benefit their facilities and operations​.
Climate Catalytic (C3) Fund: MCEC's C3 Fund provides financing for clean energy measures and technologies, including for building decarbonization projects.
Maryland Clean Energy Capital (MCAP): The MCAP program offers clean energy and efficiency financing for large projects undertaken by local governments, institutions, and nonprofits.
Decarbonization Procurement & Technical Assistance: MCEC offers a suite of technical services designed to accelerate decarbonization project development and execution.
Clean Energy Advantage Loan Program: This program provides low-interest financing for residential energy improvements including home energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems, water heating systems, windows and doors, whole home insulation, and weatherproofing – regardless of income level. ​
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​Federal Programs

Explore federal programs that are available to help support the implementation of building decarbonization upgrades at commercial buildings. 

Federal Programs ▼
Sec. 48C Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit: Manufacturers and other entities that invest in qualifying advanced energy projects may be eligible for a tax credit.
FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Program: This program allows homeowners to finance energy efficient improvements through their FHA-insured mortgage.
504 Loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides long-term, fixed rate financing (up to $5.5 million) for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. Loans can be used for the improvement or modernization of existing facilities, such as retrofit work.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants: This program provides grants for rural small business owners to make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments. ​
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​Utility Programs
EmPOWER Maryland​: Ratepayers located in the following service territories may be eligible to receive incentives for energy efficiency and electrification measures through their utility. Participating utilities are: 

EmPOWER Maryland Utility Programs​ ▼
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE): EmPOWER Maryland Incentives
Potomac Edison Company (PE): EmPOWER Maryland Incentives
Delmarva Power & Light (Delmarva): EmPOWER Maryland Incentives
Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO): EmPOWER Maryland Incentives
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO): EmPOWER Maryland Incentives
Washington Gas Light Company (WGL): EmPOWER Maryland Incentives
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​Local Programs
Maryland’s local governments also may provide incentives for building upgrades. Please review the financial opportunities below and discover whether any may apply to your building upgrades.​

Local Programs ▼
Anne Arundel County Geothermal Tax Credit: Anne Arundel County residents may be able to claim a one‐time tax credit from County real property taxes levied on residential dwellings that install geothermal energy devices.
Anne Arundel County Solar Tax Credit: Anne Arundel County residents may be able to claim a one‐time tax credit from County real property taxes levied on residential dwellings that install solar energy devices.
Baltimore County Energy Conservation Devices Tax Credit: Offers assistance to single and multi-family residential property owners who utilize solar or geothermal devices that meet national safety and performance standards to heat, cool and supply electricity and to provide hot water for use in the structure.
Frederick County Green Homes Appliance Rebate Program: The Green Homes Appliance Rebate program provides rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances for low- to moderate-income households located in Frederick County.
Frederick County Power Saver Retrofits Program: The Power Saver Retrofits program provides a free home energy use assessment for low and moderate-income residents of Frederick County.
Harford County Solar & Geothermal Tax Credit: Harford County residents may be able to claim a tax credit on county property taxes for making solar or geothermal investments on their property.
Montgomery County Energy-Efficient Buildings Tax Credit: Montgomery County offers tiered property tax credit incentives for new and existing energy-efficient commercial and multi-family buildings.
Montgomery County Green Bank Technical Assistance Program: Supports decarbonization pre-implementation study costs for commercial building owners. Studies may include ASHRAE audits and/or targeted analyses into a broad range of energy-related project types such as benchmarking, energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and resiliency.
Montgomery County Green Bank Structured Financing: Commercial buildings located in Montgomery County with complex financing needs may be able to leverage the Montgomery County Green Bank’s Structured Financing program.
Montgomery County Green Bank Small Business Energy Savings Support Program: This program provides small businesses with up to 100% financing for energy efficiency improvements.
Montgomery County Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): The Montgomery County Green Bank administers C-PACE financing in Montgomery County.
Electrify Montgomery County: This pilot program helps homeowners transition from fossil fuels (oil, gas, and propane) to electric alternatives.
Prince George’s County Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): FSC First administers C-PACE financing in Prince George’s County.
Prince George’s County Green Energy Loan Program: This program provides loans up to $250,000 for commercial building energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy measures

​Financing Tools​​

Explore financing tools that help support commercial building decarbonization upgrades.

Financing Tools ▼
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE): DSIRE is a comprehensive database of incentives, programs, and policies that support energy efficiency and renewables across the country. Users can input their state and/or zip code to generate results.
Department of Energy (DOE) Financing Navigator: DOE’s Financing Navigator helps non-residential building owners explore an array of financing choices and identify relevant financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
ENERGY STAR Tax Credit and Rebate Finder Tool: This tool helps users find financial incentives for efficient appliances, such as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, windows, and electric upgrades.
ENERGY STAR Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator: The Cash Flow Opportunity Calculator helps building owners estimate how much new equipment can be financed using anticipated savings, as well as help answer questions such as whether an owner should finance now or wait for a lower interest rate.
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5. The Hub MailChimp Footer Dark Blue.png  The Maryland Clean Buildings Hub does not endorse any specific resources and does not provide tax or legal advice. 
Consult with appropriate professionals for specific guidance.​​

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