Welcome to the Summer 2024 issue of UMD Extension’s Energy Newsletter. Maryland Energy Extension is a University of Maryland Extension program providing unbiased and research-based information related to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and clean energy technology. Our mission is to help facilitate sustainable energy decisions for agricultural producers, landowners,businesses,andresidentsthroughoutMaryland.
This newsletter provides our public and private partners with updates on our currentworkanditscontextamongallthingsenergyinthestate.Pleaseforward thisnewslettertoanyoneyouthinkmightbeinterested.Alsofeelfreetosendus your organization’s energy-related news and events for listing in future newsletters.Anddon’tforgettofollowusonsocialmediatoreceiveenergytips, updates,andcommentariesonemergingenergynews.
Agrivoltaic research funded
UMD’s Sustainability Fund has allocated $100k for the design of innovative agrivoltaicsystemsthatcombinecropcultivationwithsolarenergyproduction. Researchers from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in collaboration with student groups, will study optimal solar panel placement and identify high-value crops for agrivoltaics systems. The project ultimately aims to establish half-acre pilot programs at two UMD Extension centers. This projectisoneof13SustainabilityGrantsawardedthisyear,totaling $600,000. Other projects include assessing the carbon storage potential of mangrove forests, expanding campus bike racks, enhancing UMD’s biodiversity and climateresilience,andmore.Additionaldetailsonthe2023-24awardeescanbe foundattoday.umd.edu/sustainability
Solar hot water article now online
Exploreournewonlinearticleformoreinformation on using solar hot water for your home, farm or business. Learn the basics on how solar thermal systems work, how toinstallasolar hotwater system,andwhatsteps you can take to consider your solar opportunities. Explorecostandpaybackestimates,currently-available financialincentives,andadditionalresources.
REAP application assistance
Free technical assistance and grant application support is now available for Maryland-based rural agricultural producers and rural small businesses to access USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding. The $145 million in funding, allocated nationally under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), provides loans and grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments that lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of theiroperations.
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) will work directly with the USDA Maryland Office to determine program and funding eligibility based on the USDA REAP requirements. Grant awards require a 50% cash matchfromtheapplicant,andnon-solarprojectsvalued at $40,000 and under, are strongly encouraged. Interested participants should complete a USDA REAP ApplicationAssistanceInterestForm
ThisnewinformationalarticleispartofourEnergy101 series covering hydropower, energy policy, carbon andclimate,andotherenergy-relatedtopics.
More information and resources are available through theEnergy101Series(extension.umd.edu/energy).
Read Article
MCEC will provide technical support and grant writing assistance, in partnership with the FEWSS Project, in ordertomeetthefollowingrollingdeadlines:
• March31,2024
• June30,2024
• September30,2024
• December31,2024
More information
Energy-efficient windows
Energy-efficient windows play a crucial role in both new and existing homes. Approximately 25%–30% of residentialheating andcoolingenergyusecanbelost through windows. To enhance the energy efficiency and the comfort of you home, you can modify and improve your existing windows or you can replace yourwindowswithamoreefficientdesign.
Update Existing Windows: If your existing windows are in good condition, consider taking measures to reduce their energy loss and enhance their efficiency. This approach can be a cost-effective way to improve the comfort of your home and reduce your energy expenses,butalwaysensureproperinstallationwhen making improvements and reassess the effectiveness oftheupgradeafterimplementinganychanges.
Inspect for air leaks:Checkyourexistingwindowsfor any air leaks. Seal gaps and cracks using caulk and weatherstrippingtopreventunwanteddrafts.
Use window coverings:Installenergy-efficientwindow coverings such as blinds, shades, storm windows, or solar control film. These not only enhance efficiency butalsoprovideprivacyandlightcontrol.
Install exterior shading: Consider exterior window shading options like shutters, awnings, overhangs, and solar screens. These additions can improve comfort,reduceglare,andminimizedrafts.
Replace Your Windows: Whenselectingwindowsfor new construction or replacement, prioritize energy efficient options which align with your budget and climate.Takethefollowingfactorsintoaccount.
Window type:Selecting appropriatewindowsforyour homerequirescarefulconsiderationofaestheticsand functional features. Consider your preferences in frame materials and operational mechanisms. You shouldalsotakeintoaccounttherequiredinstallation practicesandwarrantycoverage.
Pros and cons of different types of windows.
Material Pro Con
Wood classic aesthetic, natural material may decay without proper maintenance
Aluminum affordable conducts heat easily, low energy performance
Vinyl high energy performance, durable, low maintenance modern look may not fit older home aesthetic
Fiberglass high energy performance more expensive, easily damaged during install
Residential energy use from windows (Selkowitz, 2014).
Heat loss through windows (adapted from Wood et al., 2009).
Heat loss through whole window (Makri, 2020).
Window Design: You should also take into account the technical design elements of the window. When choosing windows for your home, consider both ecoating and gas fill options to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. By addressing these factors, you can make an informed decision on the ideal windowtypeforyourneeds.
Install windows with one or more of these energy-efficient components to cut down on your heating and cooling costs.
E-Coating: A low-emissivity (low-E) coating is a thin, transparent layer applied to the glass surface. Its purpose is to regulate heat transfer by reflecting infrared radiation. In colder climates, low-E coatings are particularly advantageous because they mitigate heat loss during the winter months. When selecting windows, prioritize those with low-E coatings for improved thermal performance. Some windows also have a heat-blocking film sandwiched between the glasslayers,furtherenhancingtheirenergyefficiency.
Gas-filled panes: Gas-filled windows incorporate an inert gas (typically argon or krypton) sealed between theglasspanes.Argon-filledwindowsrepresentacost -effectiveoption,enhancinginsulationandminimizing heat transfer through the glass. For optimal performance, argon-filled glazing should maintain a half-inch space between panes. Krypton gas, while more expensive, offers even better insulation and is commonly used in high-performance windows. Airfilled windows (without gas fill) perform best with a spaceofone-halftooneinchbetweenpanes.
Window Ratings: When buying new windows, start by looking for the ENERGY STAR label. Next, you’ll wanttoreview allofthedataprovidedon theenergy performance label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). NFRC ratings are included on all ENERGY STAR certified windows and provide a
U-factor:TheU-Factorquantifiesaproduct’sabilityto retain heat within a room. A lower U-factor indicates betterheatretention.
Solar Heat Gain:Thesolarheatgaincoefficient(SHGC) measures a product’s ability to mitigate unwanted heat gain, particularly crucial during the summer season.
Air Leakage:AirLeakagemeasureshowmuchairwill enter a room through a product. The lower the number,thefewerdraftsyou’llexperience.
For most of Maryland, adhering to ENERGY STAR criteria for the north-central climate zone, the recommendedU-factorshouldbelessthanorequalto 0.25 Btu/h·ft2·°F, the SHGC should be less than or equal to 0.40, and the air leakage should be less than or equal to 0.30 ft3/ft2 (see ENERGY STAR’s Climate Zone Finder).
An NFRC label provides energy performance ratings for windows.
Renewable energy in agriculture
The agricultural community is increasingly adopting renewable energy solutions. Farmers are turning to renewable energy as a way to lower their operational costs, reduce their environmental impact, and enhance their sustainability. This article will explore renewable energy options, including their potential impact on farmingeconomics,aswellasfundingopportunities.
There was dramatic growth in the number of on-farm renewable energy systems between 2012 and 2017, particularly with geothermal and solar systems (Krishnamurthy , 2020).
Renewable Energy Options
Solar,wind,andbiofuelsareamongthemostaccessible andwidelyadoptedenergy options,offering significant benefits for private farms and large-scale commercial agriculture.
Solar Power: Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on barns or open fields convert the sun’s energy into usableelectricity.Bydoingso,farmerscansignificantly reducetheirelectricitybillswhilealsocontributingtoa cleanerenvironment.Thiscost-savingsolutionbenefits thefarmandreducestheoverallcarbonfootprint.
Wind Energy:Farmslocatedin regionswith consistent wind patterns can benefit from turbines that convert thekineticenergyofthewindintoelectricity.Onwindy days,excesselectricitycanbestoredinbatteriesorfed backintothepowergrid,earningadditionalincome.
Biofuels: Many farmers cultivate crops like corn, soybeans, or switchgrass, which can be converted into biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol. By producing biofuels, farmers reduce their reliance on nonrenewableresourcesandstabilizefuelcosts.
U.S. direct energy consumption for crops & livestock (EIA, 2014).
Economics:Investing in solar panels,windturbines,or biofuel production can help reduce reliance on costly conventional energy sources, enhancing the economic viability of a farm. Solar arrays and wind turbines can power on-farm operations, while any excess electricity that’s generated can be sold back to the power grid, providing an additional revenue stream. By generating theirownenergy,farmscanreducerelianceonexternal energysources,promotingsustainabilityandresilience.
Environmental: Renewable energy reduces the need for fossil fuel combustion. This reduces air and water pollution, while promoting healthier ecosystems and communities. Biofuel energy crops can also improve soilhealthandfertility,whilepreventingerosion.These various benefits can contribute to a more sustainable andenvironmentally-friendlyagriculturalsector.
Leveraging Incentives
Agricultural producers can leverage various incentives for renewable energy to enhance energy efficiency, reducecosts,andcontributetoasustainablefuture.
Federal Programs: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) increased funding and eligibility for the USDA’s Rural Energy for AmericaProgram(REAP),withgrantsof up to 50% of project costs. Grants and loans can also be combinedupto75%.Producerscanalsobenefitfroma federalInvestmentTaxCredit(ITC)ofupto30%.
State-Level Initiatives:TheCommercial,Industrialand AgriculturalGrantProgramincentivizesinvestmentsin energy waste reduction and fossil-fuel displacement, while the On-Farm Energy Initiative with the NRCS providesassistanceforenergy-efficientequipment.
Anaerobic digestion facility
TheMarylandBioenergyCenter,operatedbyBioenergy Devco, is the first anaerobic digester of its scale in the state.Thefacility,locatedinJessup,offersasustainable solution for organic waste recycling, bridging ecology andthecirculareconomy.Thefacilitycanrecycleabout 110,000 tons of organic waste each year through an anaerobicdigestion anaturally-occurring process in whichmicroorganismsdecomposeorganicmaterialsin the absence of oxygen. This process diverts organic waste from landfills and incinerators, while generating renewablenaturalgasandnutrient-richsoildigestate.
Thefacilityproducesapproximately312,000MMBtuof renewable natural gas (RNG) each year. This RNG serves multiple purposes, from direct injection into utilities to green hydrogen production, providing a sustainablealternativetoconventionalnaturalgas.The facility also generates about 16,575 tons of nutrientrich soil amendment, contributing to healthier soil qualityforimprovedcropgrowthandfertility.
By preventing nearly 125,000 tons of landfill waste annually,thefacility’simpactisequivalenttoremoving approximately 125,000 cars from the road each year. Moreover, its efforts to prevent greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to preserving 69,061 acres of USforestsannually.Thefacilityisprojectedtogenerate enough energy to power approximately 4,800 local homes, making a significant contribution to regional energyneeds.
The facility serves a diverse group of stakeholders by redirecting and transforming organic waste from food processors, institutions, and companies into renewable energy.Thisinnovativeprocessnotonlyimprovestheir waste management operations, but can also reduce their operationalexpensesandsupporttheir corporate sustainabilitygoals.Beyondwastereduction,theJessup facilityisabletocontributetoeconomicgrowthandjob creationwithinthelocalcommunity.
Wastehaulers alsobenefitfrom thefacility’soptimized layout and round-the-clock availability, as well as its strategiclocationwhichminimizestransportationcosts and attracts environmentally-conscious customers. Bioenergy Devco also collaborates with Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) to distribute the renewable natural gas, showcasing the potential of such partnerships for cleaner,moresustainableenergysolutions.
Formoreinformation
Bioenergy Devco [bioenergydevco.com]
The Maryland Bioenergy Center with 1.8 million-gallon digester tanks located at the Jessup facility (Bioenergy Devco).
Solid feedstock is loaded into a hopper after visual inspection on the tipping floor at the Maryland Bioenergy Center (Bioenergy Devco).
Filtered biogas can be sent to an on-site CHP unit or directly into the grid (left), while digestate is turned into a compost like material that is rich in organic nutrients (Bioenergy Devco).
Climate & Environment
Baltimore's Curtis Bay neighborhood is next door to the massive CSX coal pier and dotted by other industrial facilities. (Claudine Hellmuth, POLITICO).
MARYLAND PANEL PONDERING THE MULTIBILLIONDOLLAR CLIMATE QUESTION
(Maryland Matters: June 20, 2024)
The Maryland Commission on Climate Change will draft recommendations on who should pay for climate goal projects. Moore released $90M from a reserve clean energy fund as down payment, but a report by the Dept. of Environment suggests another $1B per year is needed.
MOORE SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON CLIMATE CHANGE, PHASING OUT GAS FURNACES IN MARYLAND
RESIDEO AND BGE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND DEMAND RESPONSE PROGRAM IN MARYLAND
(PR Newswire: April 30, 2024)
A Resideo and BGE partnership will provide additional thermostats across central MD, enabling greater load distribution amnd peak demand reduction. An expanded Connected Rewards program will allow more customers to enroll smart thermostats and receive incentives.
Electric Vehicles & Batteries
Montgomery County's fleet composition and ZEB percentages throughout the transition (MCDOT).
ION STORAGE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $20M ARPA-E SCALE UP AWARD
(Maryland Energy Innovation Institute: June 26, 2024)
Consumer advocates spoke on the growing role transmission costs play in driving consumer rate increases during the 2024 PJM Annual Meeting (RTO Insider | PJM).
CONSUMER
ADVOCATES, ENVIRONMENTALISTS URGE HOLISTIC THINKING AT PJM
MAXIMIZING SOLAR EFFICIENCY WITH TRINAPRO: INNOVATIONS
Learn how TrinaPro streamlines the procurement process, managing purchase orders, supply chain logistics and installation for lower LCOE.
SOLAR POWER WORLD
RENEWABLE INTELLIGENCE: NEXT-GEN DATA MANAGEMENT AND AI
Learn how to harness the power of advanced technologies to improve data collection and utilization for critical insights that drive action.
SOLAR POWER WORLD
SELLING SOLAR IN 2024: KEY INSIGHTS FROM THE INDUSTRY REPORT
Explore the 2024 Solar Industry Snapshot, insights from homeowner surveys, and expertise from more than 500 solar professionals.
SOLSMART
PLANNING AND ZONING BEST PRACTICES FOR SOLAR ENERGY
Explore best practices in planning and zoning for PV installations. Learn strategies to incorporate solar in plans, ordinances, and regulations.
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
2023 BILLION-TON REPORT
Discover how key findings from the recently released BT23 advances the U.S. to a cleaner future!
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
BETTER BUILDINGS WEBINAR SERIES
Explore the most pressing topics facing energy professionals, with proven best practices on sustainability and energy performance.
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
CLEAN FUELS AND PRODUCTS SHOT™ SUMMIT
Stakeholders across gov, industry, academia, and non-profits attended this event to learn about the objectives, progress, priorities, and future plans.
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
SOLUTION E-XCHANGES
A series of virtual meetings to facilitate open dialogue on interconnection issues in distribution and transmission grid networks and their interaction.
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
PATHWAYS TO COMMERCIAL LIFTOFF: INNOVATIVE GRID DEPLOYMENT
See how advanced grid solutions can help utilities & regulators respond to grid pressures – including rapid demand growth, extreme weather, & more.
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
PATHWAYS TO COMMERCIAL LIFTOFF: OFFSHORE WIND
During this session, you will explore the Offshore Wind Pathways to Commercial Liftoff report.
Pays up to 70% of the total project cost to install new energy-efficient equipment in your business to save money every month on your electric bill.
Financing for building energy efficiency improvements, energy conservation and renewable energy measures.
Enables building owners to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying systems in buildings. Tenants eligible if they make construction expenditures.
Businesses & tax-exempt organizations may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $40,000 under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 45W.
Solar systems that are placed in service in 2022 or later and begin construction before 2033 are eligible for a 30% ITC or a 2.75 ¢/kWh PTC.
Provides turn-key, low cost, standardized C-PACE program services to property owners, capital providers, contractors and local governments . Open $Variable
Various financing options for commercial property owners to undertake Clean Energy financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
An incentive program to upgrade equipment and buildings to increase energy efficiency. Their programs cover 40–70% of your total project cost.
Incentives & information to install high-efficiency equipment, including heat reclaimers, ventilation fans , livestock waterers , low pressure irrigation, etc.
up to 50%
Potomac Edison For Your Business Programs firstenergycorp.com
Prince George’s County Energy Star Cert. & Green Leasing princegeorgescountymd.gov
SMECO
Small Business Solutions smeco.coop
Small business direct install, commercial new construction, retro-commissioning, HVAC/building tune up, business energy analyzer, and more. Open $Variable
Grants to existing office and multifamily building owners to perform energy and water efficiency retrofits, and also obtain Energy Star certification.
Incentives for businesses including building tune-up, business solutions, instant savings for and other financing options. Open $ Variable
USDA Rural Development
Rural Energy for America Program
rd.usda.gov/programs-services
USDA Rural Development
Rural Energy Savings Program
rd.usda.gov/programs-services
Guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to ag producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements.
Sep 30, 2024 Loans up to 75% Grants up to 50%
Loans to entities who provide energy efficiency services in rural areas to make affordable loans for consumers to implement energy efficient measures. Open Variablerates
Infrastructure & Workforce Development
All Points North Foundation Education & Solar Grants allpointsnorthfoundation.org
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation dominionenergy.com
Maryland Clean Energy Center Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund mdcleanenergy.org
Improve middle school education in underserved communities and advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and technologies. Open $20k - $60k
Grants for environmental stewardship to make efficient use of energy and education to develop workforce in STEM and energy fields. Open $1k - $15k
Aims to increase implementation of clean energy measures and technologies intended to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. 2: Jul 15, 2024 $250k
Prince George’s County Workforce Development Program
pgcc.edu/sewdp
Provides residents with free industry certified training, on -the-job skills training, and supportive services to gain employment in the energy industry. Open $Variable
US Department of Energy
Solar Manufacturing Internship energy.gov/eere/solar
US Department of Energy STRIVES energy.gov/eere/solar
Opportunity for students from Minority Serving Institutions to intern at companies included in SETO’s portfolio for 10 weeks during the summer.
Funds research, development, & demonstration projects to improve power systems simulation software tools and demonstrate new models for distribution operations.
Jul 15, 2024 $ Variable
LOI: Jul 25, 2024
Full: Oct 17, 2024
$1M - $3M
US Department of Energy Water Power Innovation Network energy.gov/eere/water
US Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Prog energy.gov/eere/wap
Supports water power incubation or accelerator programs for commercialization of entrepreneurs and small businesses in marine energy and/or hydropower.
Support innovations leading to the deployment of energy efficiency retrofits & clean energy for climate protection, quality jobs and economic growth.
Electric Infrastructure Loan rd.usda.gov/programs-services
Provides loan guarantees to assist in developing, constructing and retrofitting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products.
Loans and loan guarantees for distributed energy projects including renewables providing wholesale or retail electricity to borrowers/rural communities.
LOI: Sep 2, 2024
Full: Oct 1, 2024 up to $250M
Open up to 75%
Insured loans and loan guarantees to nonprofit and cooperative associations, public bodies, and other utilities to construct electric distribution facilities. Open up to 100%
Increase the sales & use of higher blends of ethanol & biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels from U.S. agricultural products.
Sep 30, 2024 up to $5M (75%)
Research & Education
American Public Power Assoc. Energy & Efficiency Developments publicpower.org
Funds innovations that improve efficiency, reduce costs, support adoption of new technologies and practice to better serve public power customers.
Cooperative Devel. Foundation Cooperative Education Fund cdf.coop
Aug 15, 2024 up to $125,000
Supports cooperative research, sponsors co-op education events and scholarships and develops co-op education materials and programs. Oct 1, 2024
$1,000 to $10,000
National GEM Consortium GEM Fellowship Program gemfellowship.org
Offers academic year fellowships and summer work experiences to master’s and doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Nov 8, 2024 Variable
UMD MD Ag Experiment Station Equipment Grant Program agnr.umd.edu/research
Provides funding for research infrastructure and facilities for high-priority equipment and instruments used to support Hatch and Hatch/Multistate projects.
Sep 16, 2024 up to $100k
UMD Sustainability Council Sustainability Grants sustainability.umd.edu
Any student, faculty, or staff at UMD can receive funding for initiatives and projects that benefit sustainability. Oct 15, 2024 $Variable
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Building Envelope americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Community Power americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Direct Air Capture americanmadechallenges.org
Supports production of high-performance, cost-effective secondary glazing systems to improve efficiency of commercial windows.
Inspire and mentor students; bolster grassroots community organizations; and accelerate innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Fast-track new, emerging, and expanding solar developers to learn, participate and grow operations to support multiple community solar projects.
Aims to advance carbon dioxide removal tech, as well as the incubators that make this process possible.
American-Made: Framing the Future americanmadechallenges.org
Incentivizes regional incubators that implement highimpact ideas to support energy startups and entrepreneurs.
The Floating Offshore Wind Readiness competition for cost-effective manufacturing and deployment of commercial-scale floating offshore wind energy.
Photo contest to document and communicate innovative tech, processes, and people that will help the US achieve a decarbonized industrial sector & a net-zero-emissions.
Supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities working to expand clean energy learning for younger generations building programming & partnerships.
Aims to accelerate heliostat component technology innovation through design, development, demo, & eventual commercialization of selected components
Challenging multidisciplinary teams of collegiate students to offer unique solutions to converting nonpowered dams to hydroelectric dams.
American-Made: Marine Energy americanmadechallenges.org
Incentivizes innovators from within & beyond wave energy to design & develop materials for marine energy applications for electricity at grid scale.
Spur groundbreaking innovation local manufacturing, and the benefits of an inclusive, clean-energy economy for next-generation lighting in commercial buildings.
Catalyze domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy tech components, moving manufacturing facilities from planning to shovel-ready.
Challenging multidisciplinary teams of undergraduate and graduate students to offer unique solutions to modern marine energy challenges.
TBA PhaseIII $15,000
Oct 1, 2024
M&IPhase
$2.5M
Aug 1, 2024 PhaseII
$50k
Jan 27, 2025
Midyear Deadline
$420k
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Power at Sea americanmadechallenges.org
Nurture innovative technologies that utilize the power inherent in the ocean to enable sustainable and responsible use of resources.
Looking for innovations that could keep materials in use beyond a single life cycle & increase the recovery and reuse rate of end-of-use products.
Jul 26, 2024
$200k
II: Oct 22, 2024 III: Dec 8, 2025 $50k
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Solar Prize americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: SOLVE IT americanmadechallenges.org
Spur innovations in US solar hardware and software technologies and address challenges to rapid, equitable solar energy deployment.
Support communities as they identify & implement innovative solutions in a way that works best to address their unique needs and challenges.
R7: Aug 22, 2024
R8: Sep 26, 2024 $ Variable
Nov 25, 2024
PhaseII
$80k
US Department of Energy American-Made: Turbine Recycle americanmadechallenges.org
Develop cost-effective sustainable recycling industry for fiber-reinforced composites & rare earth elements used in wind turbines.
Jul 19, 2024 Phase2 $500k
US Department of Energy Chain Reaction Innovation chainreaction.anl.gov
Financial and technical support for innovators to perform early-stage R&D that may launch energy or manufacturing businesses in the future.
TBA Cohort9 $ Variable
US Department of Energy
Concentrating Solar Flux energy.gov/eere/solar
US Department of Energy Enhanced Geothermal Systems Pilot energy.gov/eere/geothermal
Funds research, development, and demonstration projects that accelerate large-scale development of CSP technologies. Full: Aug 8, 2024 $750k - $10M
Supports pilot projects that collectively demonstrate EGS in different geologic settings, using a variety of development techniques and well orientations.
LOI: Jul 18, 2024 Full: Sep 25, 2024 $5M - $14.2M
US Department of Energy ORISE Science & Tech Fellowship energy.gov/eere/solar
US Department of Energy Photovoltaic R&D (PVRD) energy.gov/eere/solar
Offers candidates an opportunity to learn about the federal gov & its role in advancing renewable energy with SETO supporting solar energy R&D.
Awards innovative solar PV research and development to reduce module cost, reduce carbon and energy intensity, and optimize PV tech for new, specialized markets.
Jul 15, 2024 $ Variable
Full: Sep 16, 2024
- $5M
US Department of Energy Scholars Program orise.orau.gov
The DOE Scholars Program may offer multiple opportunities during the year to accommodate the needs and schedule of individual sponsoring offices.
US Department of Energy Solar Energy Supply Chain Incubator energy.gov/eere/solar
Variable $ Variable
Funds research, development, & demonstration projects that de-risk solar hardware, manufacturing processes, and software products across a range of solar tech areas
LOI: Jul 19, 2024
Full: Oct 7, 2024 $1M - $5M
grants.gov
US Department of Energy Waste Analysis and Strategies energy.gov/eere/bioenergy
Residential Programs
Baltimore County Energy Conservation Tax Credit baltimorecountymd.gov
Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs dhs.maryland.gov
Internal Revenue Service
Clean Energy & Vehicle Credit irs.gov/credits-deductions
Internal Revenue Service
Energy Efficient Home Credit irs.gov
Funding to develop cost-effective strategies for communities to sustainably manage and recover potential clean energy sources from their waste streams. Full: Aug 14, 2024 $500k - $10M
Assistance for single and multi-family residential property owners utilizing solar or geothermal to heat, cool and supply electricity & provide hot water.
Various programs offering financial, bill payment, and arrearage assistance for home heating, natural gas, electricity, and more.
A credit up to $7,500 for a new, or $4,000 for a used, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell EV based on your modified adjusted gross income level.
Eligible contractors may claim the credit for new energy efficient homes acquired by sale or lease by an individual from that contractor during tax year.
Maryland Energy Administration
High Efficiency-Electric Home energy.maryland.gov
Maryland Energy Administration HOMES Rebate Program energy.maryland.gov
Internal Revenue Service
Residential Energy Credits irs.gov
Internal Revenue Service
Solar Tax Credit energy.gov/eere/solar
Maryland Clean Energy Center
Clean Energy Advantage Pilot cealoan.org
Maryland Energy Admin
Clean Energy Rebate energy.maryland.gov
Maryland Energy Admin
EV Supply Equipment Rebate energy.maryland.gov
Maryland Energy Admin
Vehicle Excise Tax Credit energy.maryland.gov
Point-of-sales rebates for qualified electrification projects for low- or moderate-income homes, including heat pumps, weatherization, and more. TBA $14,000
Rebates for whole-home energy-efficiency improvements with values increasing for low– and moderate-income households. TBA $ Variable
Households can use a 30% tax credit, up to $150 for a home energy audit, $1,200 for home envelope, & $2,000 for heat pumps & biomass.
A 30% tax credit for any project advanced in 2022. Projects with battery storage connected to and powered by solar also qualify.
Financing program for property owners anywhere in Maryland to conveniently and affordably complete energy efficiency improvements.
Provides rebates to purchase and install eligible renewable energy generating systems at primary place of residence.
Audit: $150 Efficiency: $3,200
Montgomery County Homeowner Energy Efficiency habitatmm.org
Montgomery Co Green Bank
Clean Energy Advantage Program mcgreenbank.org
The EVSE Program aims to reduce the financial burden of installing charging stations, and increase EV adoption in support of the state’s EV deployment and GHG reduction.
Excise tax credit on a qualifying zero-emission plug-in electric or fuel cell electric vehicle regardless of owned or leased basis.
$Variable
$1,000 Solar PV $3,000 Geotherm
Waitlist
Resid: $700 Commer: $5,000
A free program through Montgomery County Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs aimed at reducing home energy usage for qualified PEPCO customers. Open $Variable
Provides homeowners with access to preferential financing from a partner lending institution for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE).
$3K to $35K EE up to $50,000 RE
Potomac Edison For Your Home Programs firstenergycorp.com
Prince George’s County Sustainable Energy Grants princegeorgescountymd.gov
SMECO
Residential Programs smeco.coop
Incentives to upgrade to energy efficient appliances and HVAC systems with rebates for refrigerators, LED lighting, central AC, heat pumps, and energy audits.
Open $Variable
Residents in the Pepco service territory can apply for grants to perform energy efficiency retrofits and install solar PV or water heater systems. Open up to $7,500
Helps residential customers save energy and money by providing rebates for energy efficient appliances including lighting, water heating, heat/cool, etc. Open $Variable
