Energy Conservation Rebates for Farms

Summary

Maryland offers rebates for the purchase and installation of certain types of energy efficient equipment to in-state agricultural producers. Eligible equipment ranges from common measures like lighting, HVAC and motors, to agricultural equipment and custom energy savings improvements. Rebates are calculated according to the amount of energy an improvement is expected to save, set at $0.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for lighting upgrades, $0.08 per kWh for other electricity saving measures, and $1.50 per gallon of propane. Rebates are limited to 50% of the total installed cost of any new equipment.

In addition to rebates for equipment, the program also offers farm energy audits to Maryland agricultural producers. Energy audits are priced at $300, but the money will be refunded if the applicant implements one or more of the recommendations contained in the audit report. An energy audit is not required in order to qualify for the rebates, although an audit may help the farmer identify cost-effective opportunities for energy savings.

The program will last until the final application deadline of April 1, 2012, or until funding is exhausted. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis subject to funding limitations. The program website contains further information about eligible technologies, applications, and other program rules.