Maryland is making significant progress in renewable energy with the recent launch of 14 community solar projects by Solar Landscape. These installations add 6.6 megawatts (MW) of power to the state’s power grid. They are a big step toward making solar energy affordable, accessible, and useful for people in Maryland.
The projects should be able to make 55 MW of solar power when they are all up and running. This is enough to help about 5,870 homes in the state. Solar Landscape wants to build 57 community solar projects in Maryland, and this is one of them. This will make it the largest program of its kind in the state, run by one company.
Making Rooftop Solar More Available
One of the most interesting things about this project is how they use the roofs of businesses. Solar landscape is a green way to put panels on existing buildings instead of using agricultural land or open ground. This cuts down on land use conflicts. Rooftop installations help projects get done faster; they usually take one to two years.
This is because of modular building methods and simpler ways to connect things. The projects are located in a number of important places. In Gaithersburg, there are two sites; in Baltimore, there are five; and in Bethesda, Burtonsville, Bel Air, Dundalk, Owings Mills, Westminster, and Woodlawn, there are more sites.
We were very careful about where we chose these areas, and utilities like Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) and Pepco helped us. They make sure that the transition to the state’s power system goes smoothly.
Benefits For the Economy and the Community
These projects are good for the economy in a lot of ways, not just because they produce renewable energy. “Solar energy projects not only lower energy costs for the people involved, but they also create jobs and training opportunities in the area,” says Shaun Keegan, CEO and Co-Founder of Solar Landscape.
Solar Landscape works with the well-known nonprofit STEP-UP and the Woodland Job Corps in Laurel, Maryland, to help people find jobs. In 2023, they held a three-day training program where people could learn how to put up solar panels.
This gets people ready for jobs in the solar industry, which is growing. These kinds of programs are good for the local economy and make sure that there will be enough skilled workers in the future to meet the demand for renewable energy.
How Does Community Solar Work for People Who Live There?
Before you decide to install solar panels in Maryland, you should know that community solar lets businesses and homes use solar power without having to put panels on their property. People who join can get credits on their electricity bills based on how much energy they get from the shared solar project.
People who can’t put solar panels on their roofs, like those who live in apartments or homes with a lot of shade, should think about this option. By signing up for community solar, people can lower their energy bills, support renewable energy, and be part of a larger sustainable energy system. Solar Landscape has been a leader in making solar energy available to everyone by taking about 50% of Maryland’s recent rooftop community solar market share.
Effects on the Environment and Long-Term Viability
These 14 new projects can cut down on carbon emissions by a lot, which will help Maryland reach its climate goals even more. With the production of clean energy on rooftops, these installations balance fossil fuel electricity production, minimizing the environmental footprint, resulting in a healthier community.
As more residents adopt community solar subscriptions, the combined effort on statewide energy sustainability grows. This approach lines up well with wider renewable energy policies in Maryland that support grid resilience, energy independence, and climate responsibility.
The Future of Solar in Maryland
The initiative taken by Solar Landscape is indeed the beginning of an interesting time for community solar in Maryland. With plans to reach more than 57 projects statewide, the company is not only amplifying clean energy access but also encouraging job training, education, and other economic opportunities.
As rooftop solar energy is becoming more affordable and efficient, community solar projects are slowly becoming models for other states. These projects show how collaboration, utilities, and local communities can lead to sustainable energy adoption.
People in Maryland now have an unprecedented chance to be a part of this clean energy revolution. These projects have effects that go far beyond saving money on electricity. They make the state stronger, more sustainable, and more economically active.
Final Thoughts
The 14 new community solar projects from Solar Landscape display how important working together, coming up with new ideas, and building an enhanced future are. These projects are examples of modern, inclusive, and ecologically friendly energy solutions. They make clean energy, lower expenses, and provide training and job possibilities.
Marylanders don’t simply benefit from these projects; they also help make the future cleaner, greener, and more sustainable. Every home may help the state switch to renewable energy by supporting and subscribing to community solar projects. This makes renewable energy more accessible and useful than ever.
Explore your solar savings options with Solar Broker today and get to further understand these 14 community solar projects in detail.