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FIND ACTIONS

Use this page to find actions that your household has completed or plans to complete. Browse the categories on the left to find actions for the Power Saver, Green Leader, or Renewable Star Challenge.

Once you have signed in, you can click Add to My Challenge to add an action to your To Do List, Already Completed to mark an action as complete, or Not Applicable if the action does not apply to you.

Once signed in, you can rate each of the actions you have completed.
The highest rated action appear under the Most Popular Actions category.

ACTIONS

  • 20
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels by purchasing, leasing, or entering into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a system on your home or property
    Read more Comments
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Solar photovoltaic systems consist of solar modules or panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity.  Modules are connected to an inverter which converts the direct current produced by the modules into the alternating current that is identical to the power we receive from the grid. To be effective, rooftop or ground-mounted systems should face south or southwest with little or no shading.

    Because sunlight is intermittent, most systems are grid-connected, net-metered systems. When the sun is shining and system is producing more energy than the building and its occupants are using, the excess energy flows back onto the electric grid and the meter “runs backward” providing a net credit to the homeowner.  When the system is not generating enough electricity to meet the needs of the building, the homeowner can utilize regular grid-supplied power as needed. 

    Solar PV systems are expensive, but incentive grants, tax credits, and the sale of solar Renewable Energy Certificates can offset the cost of purchased systems. Alternatively, options to lease or enter into a PPA with a solar provider can reduce or even eliminate upfront costs. Installers typically offer a free site assessment and estimate, handle local permits and inspections, and assist you with applying for grants and tax credits.

    If your home’s roof is not well oriented for a roof-mounted system, you may want to consider a ground-mount system or a solar shed.

    Take Action:

    1. Request a home assessment from a solar PV installer. Read Contractor Selection Tips and Resources.
    2. Install a solar PV system.
    3. Apply for the Maryland Residential Clean Energy Grant and the Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit; arrange for the sale of SRECs.

    Links to more information:

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    Jul 12 Amanda Kirk

    Any rebates or financial assistance programs?

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  • 2
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    A key denotes a renter-friendly action.
    Use bio-heating oil in your furnace
    Read more Comments
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Even if you heat your home with an oil burning furnace, you can burn a more renewable fuel by using bio-heating oil, which is traditional home heating oil blended with 5% Biodiesel (known as B5). Biodiesel is made in the U.S. from soy, corn, and other vegetable oils, animal fats, recycled restaurant oils, and other natural sources. New sources, such as algae and cellulose from switch grass, cornstalks, and other plants, are under investigation. As an incentive, the State of Maryland offers a Bio-Heating Oil Tax-Credit of up to $500 for using bio-heating oil through 2017. Bio-heating oil costs are similar to traditional heating oil costs.

    Take Action:

    1. Purchase bio-heating oil from a distributor serving Frederick County. As of March 2013, two distributors offered bio-heating oil:
    2. Claim your Maryland Bioheat Tax Credit. Fill out and submit this form.

    Links to more information:

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  • 3
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Use efficient furnaces and stoves designed for biomass fuels.
    a. Replace an older inefficient wood burning stove with a new efficient wood or pellet stove
    Read more Comments
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Residential biomass furnaces and stoves are an alternative to heating oil furnaces or electric systems; they burn renewable materials like wood, wood pellets, corn, or nutshells. Biomass is a renewable energy source because the carbon dioxide emitted when it is burned can be recaptured if the biological source used is replanted. Depending on home size and layout, free-standing biomass stoves can provide all of a home’s heating needs or supplement traditional heating systems. Biomass furnaces and boilers are designed to replace traditional furnaces.

    The Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) Clean Burning Wood Stove Grant Program offers $400 grants for approved wood-burning stoves and $600 for approved pellet-burning stoves. A wide variety of stove and furnace options are available; enter “biomass stove” or “biomass furnace” into your internet browser to review products on the market, or review the lists of stoves eligible for the grant program.

    Opinions differ on how “green” biomass stoves and furnaces are. See How Green are Biomass Stoves and Furnaces? for more information.

    Take Action:

    1. Review the List of Wood Burning  and Pellet Stoves Eligible for Maryland Grant.
    2. Purchase a stove or furnace and apply for the Maryland Clean Wood Stove Grant Program.

    Links to more information:

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  • 2
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Use efficient furnaces and stoves designed for biomass fuels.
    b. Purchase a new efficient biomass stove or furnace
    Read more Comments
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Residential biomass furnaces and stoves are an alternative to heating oil furnaces or electric systems; they burn renewable materials like wood, wood pellets, corn, or nutshells. Biomass is a renewable energy source because the carbon dioxide emitted when it is burned can be recaptured if the biological source used is replanted. Depending on home size and layout, free-standing biomass stoves can provide all of a home’s heating needs or supplement traditional heating systems. Biomass furnaces and boilers are designed to replace traditional furnaces.

    The Maryland Energy Administration’s (MEA) Clean Burning Wood Stove Grant Program offers $400 grants for approved wood-burning stoves and $600 for approved pellet-burning stoves. A wide variety of stove and furnace options are available; enter “biomass stove” or “biomass furnace” into your internet browser to review products on the market, or review the lists of stoves eligible for the grant program.

    Opinions differ on how “green” biomass stoves and furnaces are. See How Green are Biomass Stoves and Furnaces? for more information.

    Take Action:

    1. Review the List of Wood Burning  and Pellet Stoves Eligible for Maryland Grant.
    2. Purchase a stove or furnace and apply for the Maryland Clean Wood Stove Grant Program.

    Links to more information:

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  • 10
    Green leaves denote the number of Green Points earned by completing the action and its relative environmental benefit.
    Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action. Hammers denote the relative amount of effort needed to implement the action.
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Dollar signs denote the relative cost of implementing the action.
    Free < $100
    $100-$500 $501-$2000
    > $2000
    Install a solar water heating system
    Read more Comments
    You need to be signed in to add and complete actions.
    Add to my challenge Already completed Not applicable

    Solar water heating systems, also known as solar thermal systems, are a simple, reliable, and cost-effective method of harnessing the sun's energy to heat water for your home. Solar thermal systems collect energy from the sun to heat a fluid which then transfers its heat directly or indirectly to your water supply. A solar thermal system can supply 50 – 80% of a typical household’s hot water needs.

    According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating water accounts for up to 14 percent of the average household's energy use.  Solar thermal systems will significantly reduce the amount of electricity or natural gas your household uses to heat water. While the system will cost more upfront to install, it will save money in the long run through reduced utility bills. 

    In Frederick County, solar thermal systems typically range in size from two 4'x8' collectors heating an 80 gallon tank, to three 4'x8' collectors heating a 120 gallon tank and cost approximately $8,400 to $9,600 respectively before incentives. The Maryland Residential Clean Energy Grant, the federal tax credit, the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and electricity savings can reduce first year costs by as much as $4,000.

    Many installers offer a free site assessment and estimate, handle local permits and inspections, assist you with applying for grants and tax credits, and refer you to brokers for the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates. Be sure to ask about these services in advance.

    Take Action:

    1. Request a home assessment and estimate from a solar thermal installer. Read Contractor Selection Tips and Resources.
    2. Install a solar thermal system.
    3. Apply for the Maryland Residential Clean Energy Grant and the Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit; arrange for the sale of SRECs.

    Links to more information:

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30 North Market Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701 phone: 301.600.7414 | e-mail: [email protected]
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