2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Arbutus, MD - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Arbutus.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Arbutus?
Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program
SWH: $500/project (flat per installation/household incentive)
New GHC: $3,000/project
GHC Replacement: $500/project
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Residential Solar and Wind Electricity Sales
Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems
Clean-Burning Wood Stove Grant Program
Pellet Burning Stove: $700
Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit for Solar and Geothermal Devices
Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings
Baltimore County - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings and Homes
Homes (LEED or NGBS): 40% - 100% of county real property taxes assessed for 3 - 5 years
Homes (Energy Improvements): varies, equal to the % of energy efficiency improvement over a baseline of existing home or the energy code for new homes
Local Option - Property Tax Credit for Renewables and Energy Conservation Devices
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time
Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25
Smart Thermostat: $100
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Gas Furnace: $250
Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Lighting
Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time
Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25
Smart Thermostat: $100
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Gas Furnace: $250
Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Lighting
Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website
Residential/Community Wind Grant Program
Community: $1000/kW - $4000/kW, depending on the system capacity
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" generally refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the use of renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. Various kinds of incentives, like cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, may be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Maryland, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These are different from tax deductions.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are generally handled at the state level. Once your solar panel system meets the threshold (usually a small amount of energy production), you are eligible to receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. These may be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Arbutus utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of installing solar panels, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.
Your local Arbutus solar panel installation expert can provide you with more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. This percentage will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to speak with your local Arbutus solar panel installation expert directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are only available for a limited time. Incentives may be provided by the Maryland government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Arbutus
You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the federal government and the Maryland government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped greatly increase nationwide adoption of solar energy. Talking to your local Arbutus solar panel installer is a great first step towards getting all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.
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EcoWatch's Arbutus, MD Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Arbutus solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those given by the state of Maryland, might have additional requirements.
My home already has solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with the company that installed your system, or any local Arbutus solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you might want to apply for.
How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Arbutus?
After adding solar panels to your house in Arbutus, you can expect to save about $747.69 per year, or about $14,206.16 over 20 years.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to Arbutus' top solar panel companies.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly and that you're getting the most money possible.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.