2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Ballenger Creek, MD - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Ballenger Creek.

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.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Ballenger Creek solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Ballenger Creek?

Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV: $1,000/project (flat per installation/household incentive)
SWH: $500/project (flat per installation/household incentive)
New GHC: $3,000/project
GHC Replacement: $500/project

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Varies based on market conditions

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Residential Solar and Wind Electricity Sales

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption from sales and use tax

Property Tax Exemption for Solar and Wind Energy Systems

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property

Clean-Burning Wood Stove Grant Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Stick Burning Stove: $500
Pellet Burning Stove: $700

Wood Heating Fuel Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies

Local Option - Property Tax Credit for Renewables and Energy Conservation Devices

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years.

Residential/Community Wind Grant Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential: $4,000/kW of normalized capacity at 11 m/s
Community: $1000/kW - $4000/kW, depending on the system capacity

FirstEnergy (Potomac Edison) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Lighting
LED Fixtures: Up to $8/unit
LED Bulbs: Up to $5/bulb
Occupancy Sensors: Up to $7/unit
HVAC & Other
Air-to-Air Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $250 (Tier 2); $400 (Multi Zone)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $125
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner: $125
Furnace Fans: $100
Smart Thermostat: $100
Circulating Pump: $30
Variable-Speed Pool Pump: $400
Two Speed Pool Pump: $150
Home Performance Audit: 75% of home improvements cost, up to $7,500
Quick Home Energy Checkup: Up to $75 in Energy-Saving Products

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are meant to help mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy. Incentives might include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, while others are handled by the state of Maryland or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering agreement with your Ballenger Creek utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your monthly utility bill.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar panels. These might be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before calculating tax credits.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives might be available to you if the solar system on your home produces more than a specified (usually small) amount of electricity. These types of incentives are usually handled by the state government. You can sell your SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is usually considered part of your taxable income.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, equipment and accessories — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Speaking with your local Ballenger Creek solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC may apply to you.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can receive a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The program expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local Ballenger Creek solar installation expert.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives may be handled by the Maryland government, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives may be available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Ballenger Creek

Nationwide solar energy use has increased enormously in the past 15 years, in part thanks to the proliferation of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the Maryland government, the federal government or your local utility company. Your local Ballenger Creek solar panel installation expert can help you learn more about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Ballenger Creek, MD Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I want to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 450 pounds annually, or around 9,000 pounds in 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now titled the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order in which incentives are applied could vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but usually yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Speak to your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure you are claiming all the incentives you are eligible for and applying them in the correct order.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss your plan with your local Ballenger Creek solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.

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.

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