TurningPoint Energy (TPE) and Pivot Energy celebrated the energization of a new 2.9-megawatt direct current solar farm in Clarksville, Maryland, on September 25. The project is the first to go online in a six-project, 16.6 MWdc portfolio developed by TPE and built, operated, and owned by Pivot. Located in the Baltimore region, the solar farm is part of Maryland’s Community Solar Energy Generating System (CSEGS) Pilot Program, which expands access to affordable renewable energy for Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG&E) customers.
The solar farm will generate approximately 4.25 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually, enough to power the equivalent of up to 370 Maryland homes. The array consists of nearly 5,500 solar modules, covering an area equivalent to nearly 10 football fields. Subscribers to the community solar farm will save an average of 10% on their electricity bills each year, and the project is already fully subscribed with 11 participants, including a local church.
“We are committed to being the best-in-class developer and steward of the communities we serve, and this project is a testament to that commitment,” said Salar Naini, President of TPE. “By delivering clean energy and meaningful community investment, we’re proud to help Maryland move closer to its renewable energy goals while directly benefiting local residents.” The project supports Maryland’s goal of achieving 50% renewable electricity by 2030.
In addition to renewable energy benefits, the solar farm will incorporate dual-use solar practices such as sheep grazing and native pollinator planting. “We are bringing real benefits to Howard County,” said Samantha Frick, Director of Community Relations and Impact at Pivot. Local officials also praised the project. Councilmember Deb Jung of Howard County noted, “Our BGE bills have been clear that we need to ramp up and diversify energy production right here in our own County. I’m thankful that the County Council was able to align its votes with its values and adopt zoning regulations that are among the most solar friendly in the State.”
TPE and Pivot are jointly investing $120,000 in community donations as part of the portfolio. Recipients include the Autism Society of Maryland, Bryant Woods Elementary School PTA, Community Action Council of Howard County, Harpers Choice Middle School PTA, Howard County Conservancy, Maryland Fuel Fund, Neighbor Ride, and Wilde Lake Middle School PTA. “The Fuel Fund of Maryland is thrilled to partner with organizations that expand access to energy solutions like solar that may help households save on their utility bills,” said Debbie Brown, Executive Director of the Fuel Fund of Maryland, which received $18,000 from Pivot to help keep 72 Maryland households connected.
TurningPoint Energy is a clean energy development, advisory, and investment company with solar projects nationwide. Pivot Energy is a renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, finances, builds, owns, and manages solar and energy storage projects. More information is available at turningpoint-energy.com and pivotenergy.net.
