A large battery energy storage system. Photo credit: California Energy Commission/Flickr Creative Commons.
A large battery energy storage system. Photo credit: California Energy Commission/Flickr Creative Commons.

Maryland homeowners and business owners can receive rebates for the purchase and installation of battery energy storage systems through a state program.

The Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program, which was previously offered as a tax credit, has been relaunched in the form of rebates to energy customers. The effort aims to expand clean energy technology in Maryland.

“While corporate greed continues to drive up energy costs for Marylanders, our administration is fighting to bring prices down,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. “When we invest in clean energy, we help expand supply. When we expand supply, we help rein in utility expenses for everyone. Together, we are making Maryland more affordable, more resilient, and more competitive — all at the same time.”

The battery energy storage systems will allow residential and commercial customers to store electricity for later use, such as during power outages or periods of peak energy demand.

Customers can also expect lower monthly energy bills when they shift energy use to times when electricity is cheaper.

Both the financial and environmental benefits of these systems are compounded when combined with rooftop solar technology, according to state officials.

“The latest consensus-backed science is telling us that climate change is making storms on average about 20% more severe, which presents real and growing challenges to grid reliability and resource adequacy,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This new program will help support emergency preparedness and build resiliency for communities statewide, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.”

Marcus Dieterle is the managing editor of Baltimore Fishbowl, where he covers the environment and education (among other topics). He helped lead the team to win a Best of Show award for Website of General...