Northeast & Mid-Atlantic
Maryland energy rebate landscape
Maryland is a Tier A state — robust state-level energy programs layered on top of federal IRA rebates. Homeowners here can typically access the deepest rebate stack in the country.
Federal foundation (available in Maryland like every state)
- IRA 25C tax credit — up to $3,200/year on heat pumps, HVAC, envelope, audit
- IRA 25D tax credit — 30% uncapped on solar, geothermal, batteries through 2032
- DOE HOMES rebate — performance-based, up to $8,000/home, administered by EmPOWER Maryland
- DOE HEAR rebate — income-capped (≤150% AMI), up to $14,000/home, administered by EmPOWER Maryland
Maryland state energy office / lead administrator
EmPOWER Maryland is the entity administering the federal HOMES and HEAR programs in Maryland. Visit their website for current program rollout status, contractor lists, and application portals.
State program highlights
EmPOWER Maryland is a statewide program coordinated across BGE, Pepco, Delmarva, Potomac Edison, SMECO. Heat pump and HPWH rebates available. Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) runs additional grants for clean-energy projects. Maryland's Solar Energy Grant covers a portion of residential solar costs.
Major utilities serving Maryland
- BGE
- Pepco
- Delmarva Power
- Potomac Edison
- SMECO
Each utility runs its own efficiency rebate programs. Common rebates: smart thermostat ($25-$100), heat pump ($300-$3,000), insulation ($0.10-$0.50/sqft), HPWH ($300-$700). Rebate amounts vary by utility and current funding levels — always confirm before installing.
Climate-specific upgrade priorities for Maryland
Federal stack (25C, 25D, HOMES, HEAR) plus utility rebates form the rebate foundation. Climate-specific priorities depend on whether your home's primary load is heating, cooling, or balanced.
How to put together your Maryland rebate stack
- Identify your utility from the list above and visit their efficiency-program page for current rebate offerings.
- Check EmPOWER Maryland's site for HOMES and HEAR rollout status (whether the program is live in your county and what contractors are approved).
- Confirm equipment eligibility — federal 25C requires CEE Tier 2 or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient depending on category; utility programs often require ENERGY STAR.
- Get pre-approval if your utility or HOMES requires it (many do — skipping pre-approval voids the rebate).
- Install via a licensed contractor; collect AHRI certificate, manufacturer's certification statement, and itemized invoice.
- Submit utility rebate within the post-install window (typically 30-90 days). File federal credits via IRS Form 5695 with your tax return for the year equipment was placed in service.