Green Your Home
Living out the change we wish to see in our own homes makes us more credible and powerful advocates for stronger climate policy in our communities. The energy we use at home is one of the most direct ways we’re each connected to the heat-trapping pollution that is damaging our world’s climate.
Invite your community members to begin “turning away from burning” fossil fuels by using less energy, shifting to clean energy, and moving your home away from burning methane gas.
Electrify At Home
Making the switch to clean energy at home is more accessible than you think! Explore below to see what resources are available in your area.
Electrify At Home in DC
- The DCSEU offers incentives for electric heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters, induction stoves, electrical panel upgrades
- Find qualified contractors for electrification projects through this Electrify DC search tool
Electrify At Home in Maryland
- Both the Maryland Department of Housing Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Community Action Council of Howard County provide weatherization services to income-qualified homeowners and renters that lower heating and cooling bills
- Income-eligible homeowners in Baltimore City and County, Anne Arundel, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties may be able to get a free heat pump and energy upgrades through Sustain Our Future Foundation
Electrify At Home in NoVA
- The VA Department of Housing and Community Development has a Weatherization Assistance Program that assists income qualified home owners and renters reduce heating and cooling costs
Explore our full spreadsheet of local resources and programs here.
Questions or corrections? Contact ethan@ipldmv.org.
Save Energy
Encourage your community to bring home your congregation’s climate commitment! Everyone can hand out light switch reminders or organize a home energy workshop to inspire energy savings at home.
MD:
- EmPOWER Maryland offers free energy walkthroughs for your home through a variety of electric utility companies
NoVA:
- Dominion Energy residential customers in NoVA have access to a free Home Energy Evaluation to help identify the best ways to save money and energy. Rebates are available for projects undertaken as a result of a Home Energy Evaluation
Go Solar At Home
Did you know that whether you rent or own there’s a solar option for you?
Solar Co-Ops
Groups of neighbors are coming together to purchase solar for their homes in the following areas. Click on the links for the current co-ops below. The Capital Area Switch Together co-op closes on August 19, 2026.
DC:
MD:
Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick County Residents:
Capital Area Switch Together
Anne Arundel, Baltimore City and Baltimore, Harford, and Howard County Residents:
Civic Works’ Energy Programs – Solar options and home energy upgrades
NoVA:
Rabbi Ilan Glazer stands with a solar panel ready to go onto the roof of his home in Baltimore.
More residential Solar
DC:
- DC Solar for All provides low and moderate income residents of single-family homes (including some renters!) with free solar panels
MD:
- The Maryland Energy Administration provides grant funds for eligible Maryland homeowners to install solar through the Maryland Solar Access program. The program is currently closed but expected to reopen mid-way through Summer 2026
- For those in Baltimore City, low and moderate income residents of single-family homes (including some renters!) can qualify for solar through the Baltimore Shines program
NoVA:
- Solarize Virginia is a community-based outreach initiative that can help reduce the costs of solar as well as help homeowners navigate through the solar process
Over eighty members of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda subscribed to a community solar project, some of whom went on a tour of the Neighborhood Sun project they helped build! Their sign honors the One “who makes the works of Creation.”
Community Solar
DC, MD, and NoVA:
Even if you can’t put solar panels on your own home, anyone who pays an energy bill to BGE, Pepco MD, Pepco DC, or Potomac Edison can subscribe to a Neighborhood Sun* community solar project nearby.
With Neighborhood Sun, you’ll:
Lock in a stable rate for your electricity a be a member of a strong community of local solar supporters caring for our common home.
DC:
Income-qualified DC residents who pay their own energy bill can subscribe for a monthly credit through DC Solar for All.
* A donation will be made to support our work for each person who signs up for this program.
Questions? Email solar@ipldmv.org.
Many of us burn methane gas, propane, or heating oil to heat our homes, warm our water, cook our food, or dry our laundry. For years, it was our only choice. But now, clean, affordable, efficient electric appliances exist to do all of those tasks, and more!
Join so many neighbors here and across the country who are turning away from burning fossil fuels, and electrifying everything at home!
How do we feel about being stuck with methane-burning stoves that came with our houses? Thumbs down!
switch to electric
Resources from our friends at Rewiring America
Electrify Everything in Your Home: A Guide to Comfy, Healthy, Carbon-Free Living
Full web version | Printable handout version
Heat Pumps
Looking for someone who can install a heat pump, but don’t know who to call? Your best bet is to search for HVAC contractors who’ve gone through the Building Performance Institute training program. which includes a lot of heat pump education.