Climate and Energy Incentives

Energy Programs

Montgomery Energy Connection (MEC) is a one-stop shop with guidance and links to most available rebates, grants, financing, funding, free resources, and assistance. In addition to the content below, MEC describes: Pepco’s free Quick Home Energy Checkup and discounted energy audits (a great place to start!). MEC also highlights Pepco’s Home Performance with Energy Star energy efficiency rebate of up to $10,000, Pepco’s $15,000 electrification rebates, Montgomery County low-income grants and tax credits, and community solar options.

Rooftop Solar

Capital Area Switch Together helps neighbors install solar on homes or small businesses with a 15-25% group purchase discount. Combine state rebates, 30% federal tax credits, and solar renewable energy credits with discounts from group purchasing. Zero-down financing is available for all incomes and special rates are available for lower incomes.

Healthy Electric Appliances

Convert your natural gas or heating oil appliances to healthy, efficient electric with incentives from Electrify MC, a program of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. Examples include water heaters ($500), electric stoves ($150), and heat pumps ($1,000 – $2,500). See the link below to learn more or contact Electrify MC’s Help Desk. Discounts or rebates can be combined with tax credits (available now) and IRA rebates (available soon).

Electric Vehicles and Chargers

Discounts, rebates, and tax credits are available for certain models of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and for installing advanced chargers. Montgomery County EV Co-op advertises dealership discounts. The State of Maryland offers up to $3,000 excise tax credit and IRS offers credits up to $4,000 for used vehicle purchases and $7,500 for new vehicles subject to model eligibility, cost limits, and a moderate-income cap.

Sustainable Landscaping

RainScapes Rebates are available to homes and nonprofits for installing native plantings, rain gardens, removing impervious pavement, rain barrels, cisterns, trees, permeable pavers, and green roofs. These practices improve water quality of our streams and provide cooling and wildlife habitat benefits.

Energy and Solar for Low/Moderate Income Residents

A variety of energy programs are available and managed locally through City of Rockville, Montgomery County, and community partnerships. These include energy assistance with utility payments, home energy efficiency and repair projects and grants, HVAC replacements, electric appliances, and roof repair and solar for low- and moderate-income residents and buildings. These programs are available to residents regardless of immigration status.

Learn about housing and community assistance services offered by the City of Rockville.

Visit Montgomery Energy Connection or Montgomery County Home Energy Program for more information.

Montgomery County Green Bank

The Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) offers financing and technical support to homeowners, HOAs, and organizations of all sizes. Programs include financing and bridge loans for building energy efficiency, renewable energy, and multifamily electric vehicle charging. MCGB also offers Access Solar financing for low- and moderate-income residents through Switch Together.

Federal Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits

Upon filing your annual taxes, residents and businesses may be able to claim tax credits for purchasing new and used electric vehicles (EVs), energy efficiency upgrades (doors, windows, insulation, air sealing, energy audits), electric heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, battery storage, geothermal water heaters, and solar water heaters. Federal tax credits can often be combined with other state or local discounts or rebates. Consult with a contracted professional, your tax advisor, or the Internal Revenue Service for eligibility information.

Electric Appliance and Home Energy Efficiency Funding

Distinct from IRA IRS tax credits, the State of Maryland will offer Inflation Reduction Act-funded rebate programs, including the High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHR) and the HOMES Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. HEEHR offers up to $8,000 for a heat pump and HOMES offers up to $14,000 combined maximum for energy improvements. Rebates will not apply to work completed before the program launches at the end of 2024. In the meantime, get ready with an energy audit. Also, consider improving your indoor air quality immediately by replacing gas range cooking with a low-cost portable induction cooktop.

Electric Leaf Blower Rebate

Montgomery County launched a rebate program for electric leaf blowers. Rebates apply to equipment purchased after the program is open.

• Rebates for landscapers with revenue under $250,000 annually or five or fewer employees can receive up to $1,500 in one 12-month period.
• Landscapers with revenue over $250,000 or six or more employees can receive up to $1,000 in one 12-month period.
• Residents can receive up to $100 for one rebate.

Incentives for Renters and Landlords

While some actions are easier for homeowners, such as installing rooftop solar and electric appliances, there are actions renters can take as well, such as subscribing to community solar, seeking energy assistance, replacing lightbulbs with LEDs, and considering an electric vehicle. RainScapes rebate and flood mitigation programs are available for multifamily properties, nonprofits, and places of worship, which benefits the wider community. Recycling, community gardening, and composting are actions that anyone can take.

These resources can help renters work with their property managers and landlords for advanced energy efficiency by installing electric appliances and onsite solar and EV chargers:

• Rewiring America’s Renters Electrification Guide
• Solar United Neighbors: Solar for Condos and Apartments
• MD EV Resources for Multi-Unit Dwellings
• Public EV Charging Stations