en.Wedoany.com Reported - Dandelion Energy, a U.S. provider of residential geothermal heat pump solutions, announced a partnership with Dream Finders Homes and Ward Communities to install geothermal heat pump systems in two new residential projects in Maryland, covering a total of 129 homes. Through collaboration with Upstream, these projects have secured $1.3 million in funding from the Maryland Energy Administration, sourced from the state's Geothermal Heat Pump Advantage Pilot Program.
Kelly Speakes-Backman, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, stated that the agency supports these geothermal heat pump projects, believing they will deliver tangible savings for Maryland homeowners and ratepayers by reducing energy costs and lowering grid demand. This partnership marks the first community-scale deployment of a leasing program pioneered by Dandelion and Upstream. The grant funding will be used to unlock a 40% federal investment tax credit, enabling builders to integrate geothermal heat pump systems into communities at the same or lower cost than traditional HVAC systems. Upstream will serve as the third-party owner of the systems, monetizing the tax credit and passing the financial benefits to the project.
Dan Yates, CEO of Dandelion Energy, explained that the company will integrate geothermal heat pumps into the entire community starting from the foundation construction phase, providing builders with a competitive advantage, offering homeowners stable and low energy bills, and delivering a highly resilient, predictable load curve to the grid. Daniel Sadik, Chief Commercial Officer of Upstream, noted that by leveraging the commercial investment tax credit, this collaboration eliminates the traditional upfront cost barrier to geothermal heat pump installation.
Dandelion Energy will install high-efficiency geothermal heat pump heating and cooling systems in 129 homes across the two new communities. These systems utilize stable underground temperatures to provide the most efficient HVAC option currently available. Homeowners will enjoy predictable and low energy bills, comfortable homes, and quiet neighborhoods without outdoor equipment. Combined, the two projects will save homeowners 30% to 40% on energy bills annually, with system lifespans twice as long as air-source heat pumps. Compared to air-source heat pumps, these two communities will reduce Maryland's grid summer peak demand by 20% and winter peak demand by 65%.
Joe Lucado, Vice President of Construction Operations at Ward Communities, noted that integrating geothermal heat pump technology in these communities can lower utility costs and improve comfort without increasing home purchase prices. Jon Adler, President of the Capital Division at Dream Finders Homes, stated that partnering with Dandelion and Upstream allows the company to offer geothermal heat pump technology at no additional cost, significantly reducing buyers' monthly expenses.
