2024 Solar Incentives Guide for North Laurel, MD - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 North Laurel solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 North Laurel?

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

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

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

Wood Heating Fuel Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Howard County - High Performance and Green Building Property Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
High Performance Buildings (except R-2, R-3 buildings): credit of 10% to 75% of taxes owed for 3 to 5 years; varies by building type and building rating

High Performance R-2, R-3 Buildings: credit of 19% to 100% of taxes owed for 4 years; varies by building rating and declines for each year claimed (i.e., the Year 2 % is less than Year 1)

Green Buildings (w/energy conservation devices): credit of 14% - 20% of cost of device for 3 years; varies by building rating

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

Clean-Burning Wood Stove Grant Program

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

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

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

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

Local Option - Property Tax Credit for High Performance Buildings

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Varies

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

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.

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 encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by providing financial incentives that lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. You might qualify for various types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Maryland government and others from the federal government. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are typically handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets a certain threshold (generally a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that you can then sell to your utility company or other buyers. The money you receive is usually considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: A rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. Rebates may be offered by your local utility company, your county or your state. The discount that rebates offer is normally applied to the price of solar panels before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which can let you ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your North Laurel utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.

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Sunrun

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  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
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Palmetto Solar

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  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. A federal incentive that most people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a given percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and under this program you can deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, accessories, labor and equipment. This credit can apply towards a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original amount you could claim was 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.

Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local North Laurel solar panel installer to get more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit extends until 2035. Homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022, and will be done by December 31, 2032. The total credit will then decrease annually until it expires. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

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, speak with your local North Laurel solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Rebates, tax credits and more can be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Maryland government. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in North Laurel

The variety of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the use of solar power nationwide over the past 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from the federal government, the Maryland government or from your local utility company. Contact your local solar panel installation company today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your North Laurel home.

EcoWatch's North Laurel, MD Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my house in North Laurel?

Typically, North Laurel homeowners who install solar panels save about $748.37 per year, or around $14,219.09 over 20 years after making the switch.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on the best solar companies in North Laurel.

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 set to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

If I change out my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there any credits that I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act creates a number of new financial incentives to encourage you to make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details regarding these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?

Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your plan with your local North Laurel solar installation expert, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what kinds 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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