Solar Energy Grant Program
| Program Type | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Technologies | Solar Water Heat, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Photovoltaics |
| Amount |
For systems up to 2 kW $1.25 per Watt, systems between 2 kW and 10 kW $0.50 per Watt, and systems between 10 kW and 20 kW $0.35 per Watt |
| Required Documentation |
Application form, a reviewed and signed Solar Grant Program Terms and Conditions form, a signed cost estimate, purchase order, or letter of intent from an installer |
| Official Web Site | http://energy.maryland.gov/incentives/residential/solargrants/ind |
The Solar Energy Grant Program offers home and building owners a rebate of up to $1.25 per DC (direct current) watt of photovoltaics (PV) installed. Systems up to 2 kW receive the full $1.25 per kW. The incentive falls to $0.50 per Watt for systems between 2 kW and 10 kW. PV arrays between 10 kW and 20 kW will receive an incentive of $0.35 per Watt. The incentive tops out at $10,000. In addition, solar water heating systems are also eligible for a rebate of up to $2,000 or 30 percent of the system’s total cost. PV systems don’t have to be grid-tied to qualify for the incentive.
To qualify for the incentive, residential PV arrays must be at least 500 Watts. Solar hot water heating systems must be at least 20 square feet to qualify. The state accepts applications for any system that goes into operation during the year in which the building owner submits the grant application. If a building is more than 50 years old or in a historic district and the proposed installation is on the front of the building, than applicants must submit a Maryland Historical Trust Project Review form to the Maryland Historical Trust. The trust will evaluate the site and respond with how the applicant should proceed.
Maryland anticipates approving 100 grants a month through the end of fiscal year 2011 or until the funds are fully committed. The fiscal year 2010 budget includes $5.8 million for the rebate program and is funded by the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund and ARRA money. The program was funded through federal stimulus money and appropriations from carbon emission allowance auctions, which is part of Maryland’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The grants do not count as income for state tax purposes.
