Programs
The Maryland Clean Energy Center is proud to offer the following programs:
Consumer Programs
Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) offers various consumer programs to assist Maryland residents in reducing their energy bills and improving the comfort of their homes.
Clean Energy Advantage (CEA) Loan Program: The CEA Loan Program offers zero percent financing for 24 months for homeowners, regardless of income level. With loans amounts up to $50,000 and credit score qualifications as low as 580, more residents can afford energy-efficient home upgrades. These clean energy improvements include energy efficient HVAC, water heating systems, windows and doors, whole home insulation, and weatherproofing.
Solar For All (SFA): The Maryland Solar for All Program supports the expansion solar programs for low-income households in the state of Maryland. This allows underserved Maryland residents to reduce costs and improve efficiency through affordable solar energy projects.
Commercial Programs
MCEC teams up with businesses, institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations to provide direct and indirect financing solutions from capital partners as well as public and private financial institutions. These initiatives help reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and operational efficiency.
Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program (MCAP): MCAP brings clean energy and efficiency financing to businesses, institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations. It provides access to low-cost capital along with both taxable and tax-exempt bond financings utilizing MCEC direct and indirect issuance capabilities for clean energy and efficiency projects valued at over 5 million.
Maryland Property Assessed Clean Energy (MDPACE) Loans: MDPACE offers private financing for commercial property owners to upgrade buildings with clean energy, resilience improvements, and remediation work starting at $50,000. This is not a tax but a voluntary lien included in property tax bills.
Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund: The C3 Fund finances projects, companies, and technologies across the capital aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diminishing climate change impacts, and help Maryland in achieving the benchmarks of the Climate Solutions Now Act. A minimum of 40% of the C3 Fund resources benefit low-income households and communities.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): The REAP program offers reimbursement to rural agricultural entities and small businesses for up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $40,000, for clean energy and energy efficiency projects. MCEC provides free grant application assistance from start to finish for this federal program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Procurement & Technical Assistance
Clean energy and decarbonization projects are often complex. We make it easier for our partners through a broad range of technical services aimed to accelerate the implementation of strategies and solutions.
Technical Services: MCEC provides tailored services on behalf of clients focused on advancing clean energy projects in Maryland. This includes project design and feasibility assessments, regulatory navigation, financing and grant funding, performance measurement and verification, and various procurement services.
Wood Energy Initiative: MCEC supports the growth of locally sourced biomass energy through grants and the creation of educational resources. This initiative aims to increase general public awareness about the advantages of biomass energy.
Climate Tech Innovation
MCEC partners with various organizations to drive the commercialization of early-stage technology through collaboration with Maryland-based businesses, universities, and laboratories to support Maryland climate goals.
Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA): MEIA accelerates the commercialization of advanced energy and climate technologies from Maryland’s businesses, universities, and labs. It connects climate tech startups with experts, investors, and resources, bringing these innovations to the market faster to help Maryland reach sustainability benchmarks.
Community Programs
We serve as a resource to advance energy efficiency projects in communities across Maryland and engage with the public to educate Marylanders about the benefits of a clean energy transition.
Solar For All (SFA): The Maryland Solar for All Program supports the expansion solar programs for low-income households in the state of Maryland. This allows underserved Maryland residents to reduce costs and improve efficiency through affordable solar energy projects.
Charging & Fueling Infrastructure (CFI): A federal program by the U.S. Department of Transportation, MCEC and its partners were awarded grant funding to install over 100 electric vehicle charging stations along an Alternative Fuel Corridor and in low-to-moderate income communities across Maryland.
Energy Awareness: Through our consumer portal, MCEC helps residents learn more about the energy they purchase and offer strategies for lowering energy bills, increasing home energy efficiency, improving safety, and increasing comfort.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): To make clean energy accessible to all Maryland residents, MCEC brings diverse perspectives together to develop climate solutions that benefit consumers of all backgrounds.
Community Outreach: Our Equity Outreach & Community Development team actively participates in community events across the state, engaging with residents to understand the priorities and challenges facing communities in Maryland.
