2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Bel Air, MD - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Bel Air 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

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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 Bel Air?

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.

Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances & Recycling
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

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances & Recycling
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

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

Harford County - Property Tax Credit for Solar and Geothermal Devices

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of total real property taxes on the host structure for one year

Delmarva Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Lighting
LED Fixtures: $8 per fixture
LED Lighting: Up to $3 per bulb
Appliances
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Clothes Dryer: $50
Hybrid Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Smart Thermostat: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
HVAC
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 (Tier 1) - $650 (Tier 2)
Central A/C: $300 (Tier 1) - $500 (Tier 2)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
ECM Furnace Motor: $50 - $100
Home Energy Check up: Free
Recycling
A/C or Dehumidifier: $25
Refrigerator or Freezer: $50

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 designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. This category of financial incentives is intended to encourage more people to switch their home over to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Maryland, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the government.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In general, solar systems that produce more than a specified (normally small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically offered at the state level. When you receive an SREC, you can sell it to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates are essentially partial refunds that are applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Bel Air utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other areas you may make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels may qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value that solar panels add when you are calculating property taxes on your home.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories and equipment. You can claim this credit 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.

To best understand how the ITC could apply to your situation, get in touch with your local Bel Air solar panel installation expert and request more information.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; the amount will decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the end of the current program. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Bel Air solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives might be provided by the state of Maryland, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Bel Air

The expanding number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the last 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the Maryland government, the federal government or your local utility company. When you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, talking to your local Bel Air solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

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 Bel Air, MD Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home 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 fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.

I already have solar panels installed. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you installed your system between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Speaking with the company that installed your solar system, or any local Bel Air solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you qualify for.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Bel Air?

Typically, homeowners in Bel Air who install solar panels save approximately $776.13 per year, or approximately $14,746.43 over 20 years after they make the switch.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to Bel Air's best solar panel companies.

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

Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and 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.

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