These projects, which represent 6.57 MW (DC) of community solar capacity, are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
Community Solar allows utility customers, including those who rent or cannot install on-site solar, the option of purchasing up to 100 percent renewable energy from a local project while saving hundreds of dollars each year on electricity costs.
These projects were awarded to and developed by TurningPoint Energy as part of the State of Maryland's Community Solar Pilot Program, which is focused on providing renewable energy benefits and reducing costs for its customers. The Program is unique because it offers a hassle-free way for customers to adopt solar energy by subscribing to a local project.
"These well-planned, well-sited, and well-developed solar projects are now open for subscribers and will soon be completed successfully as part of the first year of Maryland's pilot program for community solar," said Jared Schoch, president of TurningPoint Energy
ForeFront Power will be the long-term owner and operator of the projects and has partnered with Arcadia Power to manage subscriber participation. Households can now enroll in one of these local community solar projects.
"It is exciting to be a part of this first step for community solar in Maryland and to complete the great work of TurningPoint Energy," said ForeFront Power Co-CEO Paul Walker. "These projects symbolize ForeFront Power's commitment to community solar for customers across Maryland."
Community solar projects offer all the benefits of solar to those who are unable to install solar at their home. These projects enable individual households, whether they rent or own, the ability to source electricity from a community solar project at a discount to current utility rates.
Beyond the customer-level benefits, these projects will also benefit local communities economically and environmentally.
The projects are also already utilizing various local legal, consulting, engineering, and land expertise as part of the development process, and construction will impact even more jobs during the three to four-month process.
