Residential/Community Wind Grant Program

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides rebates for the installation of residential and non-residential wind energy systems through the Residential Wind Grant Program and Community Wind Grant Program. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) defines a community wind project as “a distributed wind energy project that benefits a local community.” Systems of up to 750 kilowatts (kW) are eligible for the program. The incentive level of Residential Wind Grant Program is set at $4,000 per kW of normalized generating capacity at a reference wind speed of 11 meters per second (m/s). For Community Wind Grant Program, grant awards range in size from $1000/kW to $4000/kW per project, based on system size, with smaller systems receiving a higher kW capacity incentive than larger systems. Incentives are allocated on a per property basis, meaning that incentives will not be awarded for multiple turbines on the same property.

The incentives are capped at less $100,000 for residential and up to $600,000 for community wind projects, or 50% of the net installed cost after other federal, state, and local incentives. In order to qualify, turbines must be listed on at least one of the following certified turbine lists: Interstate Turbine Advisory Council (ITAC) Unified List of Wind Turbines or Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) List of Certified Turbines. The program website contains sample grant calculations for common small wind turbines that have been installed in Maryland (note that this is not a complete list of eligible wind turbines).

Systems must also comply with all applicable performance and safety standards, including local codes, the National Electric Code, Maryland’s net metering rules and interconnection standards. Off-grid systems are not specifically addressed by the program rules, but might be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Project applications must contain a detailed site assessment, wind energy system specifications, signed cost estimates, a preliminary wind analysis, and pre-qualification forms detailing certain other aspects of the project. It is possible that some applications will be deemed ineligible based on site conditions (e.g., poor wind resource, obstructions, etc.).

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Grant Applicant must submit an application within twelve months of the date the wind turbine is paid-in-full, passes all required inspections, and becomes operational. For further information and application forms, please consult the program web site listed at the top of this page.