Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) still has funds available for several incentive programs, including:

FY25 Commercial Solar Grant Program

NEW in FY25: ​Maryland businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations can receive grants for solar PV systems that are owned by or directly benefit low-to-moderate income, overburdened, and underserved Maryland communities. 

Grant amounts are based on the Area of Interest and the size of the solar PV system, on a dollar-per-kilowatt ($/kW) basis. Up to $10 million of funding is available and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The Deadline for program applications is 3:00 P.M. ET, Monday, March 31, 2025.

Learn more from the Maryland Energy Administration.

Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural Grant Program

The CI&A Program incentivizes investments that reduce energy waste and, where
applicable, displace fossil-fuel use in Maryland-based commercial, industrial, and agricultural facilities. Program grants are offered to accelerate investment in clean, energy-efficient building technologies by defraying their installation cost.

Eligible grant recipients are owners of Maryland-based commercial, industrial, data centers, non-profits, and farms and other agricultural entities. Both new construction and existing facilities may be considered for grants to defray the cost of improvements resulting in energy performance that exceeds current codes or standards. The FY25 program has a total budget of up to $3.1 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is fully awarded or until Friday, February 14, 2025 at 3 P.M., whichever occurs first.

Learn more from the Maryland Energy Administration.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the 179D Portal, which hosts two free tools to estimate potential federal tax deductions for installing eligible energy-efficient technologies in commercial buildings.

Energy-efficient technologies can increase building performance and save on utility bills. Now, the new 179D Portal can estimate how building upgrades can qualify building owners and designers for a tax deduction, to further impact the bottom line, with tax deductions ranging from $0.58 to $5.81 per square foot.

To be eligible for a tax deduction, at least 25% savings must be achieved through interior lighting; heating, ventilation, or air conditioning; water heating; and/or building envelope system improvements as part of a new construction or building retrofit project.

Learn more on energy.gov.

St. Camillus Church in Silver Spring is replacing the inefficient 1970s-era heating and cooling system used in its main church building. With the Green Bank support, the parish has completed the engineering and design phase for a cutting-edge, all-electric system. The new system will be completely electric and will be powered by the St. Camillus’s purchase of renewable electricity, making the church a zero-carbon-emissions facility while significantly reducing energy costs.

The parish is also conducting an engineering study to evaluate the feasibility of ground-source heat pumps as a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to heat and cool the center.

Learn more from the Montgomery County Green Bank.

Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs! 

Glen Manor Condominium Installs 74.8 kW Solar PV System: The Commercial Solar Power Purchase Agreement (CSPPA) program allowed Glen Manor Condominiums to install solar through a no-money-down rental agreement with Skyview Ventures. (Montgomery County Green Bank)

Maryland’s Climate Goals Under Strain as Budget Gaps and Looming Federal Cuts Threaten Progress: As the 90-day session kicks off this year, lawmakers must find creative ways to navigate the fiscal gap. (Inside Climate News) 

Can Solar Spark Multifamily’s Future? As costs fall, the technology improves and incentives remain reasonably robust, solar power installations, which include rooftop panels and batteries for power storage, are experiencing significant growth. (Multi-Housing News)

U.S. Green Building Council Releases PERFORM: USGBC announced the release of PERFORM, a new offering that provides provides guidance, tools, and third-party verification from GBCI, helping organizations meet sustainability goals and reporting requirements while improving portfolio-wide performance. (Green Lodging News)