Programs
The Maryland Clean Energy Center is proud to offer the following programs:
Consumer Programs
We’re here to help Maryland residents reduce energy bills and improve the comfort of their homes. Financial support is available for heating, cooling, insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. We also provide educational materials to help people understand what’s available and how to take advantage of all their options.
Clean Energy Advantage (CEA) Loan Program:
This program offers zero percent financing for 24 months for homeowners, regardless of income. With loans available up to $50,000 and a minimum credit score requirement of 580, more Marylanders can afford energy-efficient home upgrades. These clean energy improvements include energy efficient HVAC, water heaters, windows and doors, full home insulation, and weatherproofing.
Solar for All (SFA):
The Maryland Solar For All Program supports the expansion of solar programs for financially vulnerable households across Maryland. This initiative helps under-resourced Maryland residents lower their energy expenses and boost efficiency with affordable solar energy projects.
Commercial Programs
We partner with businesses, institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations to offer direct and indirect financing solutions through capital partners and financial institutions. These efforts help reduce energy bills and improve comfort and efficiency.
Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program (MCAP):
MCAP offers clean energy financing to businesses, institutions, government, and nonprofit organizations. It provides access to low-cost capital through both taxable and tax-exempt bond financing, using MCEC’s issuance capabilities for projects worth over $5 million.
Maryland Property Assessed Clean Energy (MDPACE) Loans:
MDPACE provides private financing for commercial property owners to improve buildings with clean energy, resilience upgrades, and remediation work starting at $50,000. This is a voluntary lien added to property tax bills, not a tax.
Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund:
This fund supports projects, companies, and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen climate change impacts, helping Maryland meet the Climate Solutions Now Act goals. At least 40% of the fund benefits low-income households and communities.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP):
Rural farms and small businesses can cut costs, save energy, and strengthen their business with matching grants for energy efficiency projects through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Procurement & Technical Assistance
Clean energy and decarbonization projects can be complex. We’re here to simplify the process for our partners by offering a wide range of technical services to speed up the implementation of strategies and solutions.
Technical Services:
We offer customized services for clients to advance clean energy projects in Maryland. Services include project design, feasibility assessments, regulatory support, financing and grant funding, performance measurement, verification, and various procurement services.
Wood Energy Initiative:
MCEC supports education, outreach and advocacy for wood energy systems and economic development through grants and educational resources. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the benefits 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 for advancing energy efficiency projects across Maryland communities. Our efforts involve educating residents about the benefits of switching to clean energy. We inform them about reducing energy use, understanding different energy sources, and finding ways to help residents save money while being more energy efficient.
Solar for All (SFA):
This program supports the expansion of solar programs for financially vulnerable households across Maryland. This initiative helps under-resourced Maryland residents lower their energy expenses and boost efficiency with affordable solar energy projects.
Charging & Fueling Infrastructure (CFI):
A federal program by the U.S. Department of Transportation/FHWA MCEC and its partners received grant funding to install 120 electric vehicle charging stations along an Alternative Fuel Corridor and in low-to-moderate income communities across Maryland.
Energy Awareness:
We help residents understand their energy purchases and provide tips to save money by lowering energy bills, improving home energy efficiency, enhancing safety, and increasing comfort.
Expanding Access & Opportunity (EAO):
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is dedicated to ensuring that all Marylanders can benefit from the transition to clean energy. We work to expand access, create pathways for participation, and foster economic growth across all communities. By addressing barriers and supporting broader engagement, we aim to build a stronger, more sustainable energy future that serves everyone.
Community Building:
Our Outreach & Community Development team actively participates in community events across the state, connecting with residents to understand the priorities and challenges facing Maryland communities.