Solar Energy Expanded In Howard County With More Panels On Properties

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Solar energy will become an even more prominent source of power in Howard County now that officials have teamed up to install solar arrays on top of public buildings and schools.

The announcement was made Monday that Howard Community College, Howard County Public School System and the Howard County government will team up to continue the forward momentum toward clean energy.

In 2020, the county teamed up with KDC Solar, Inc. for a 25-year contract to generate solar power. That agreement generates 32,000,000 kilowatt-hours a year, which covers more than 50% percent of the county’s electricity usage and is the equivalent of taking 4,563 cars off the road. To date, this PPA has delivered 18 solar projects on county properties, including nine ground mounted arrays, seven rooftop solar systems and two solar parking canopies.

“Through this MOU (memorandum of understanding), we are leveraging the strengths of our local partners to deploy clean energy sources and energy efficient improvements that are vital to securing Howard County’s energy independence, buffering against sudden and unpredictable cost increases, and advancing our economic stability, public health, prosperity and quality of life for all," stated Howard County Executive Calvin Ball at a news conference.

The MOU involves a solar power purchase agreement whereby a solar provider will, at its sole expense, provide photovoltaic solar projects, including installing and maintaining solar panels on county, HCPSS and HCC properties. In exchange, it will sell the electricity generated at an affordable per kilowatt hour rate for the respective institutions. This new agreement will generate significant clean energy and cost savings for many years, all at no upfront cost to county taxpayers, officials explained at the news conference.

“As we build and renovate schools in our district, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce energy costs and implement clean solutions. To leverage available real estate, such as the rooftops of our school buildings, to house solar panels that benefit Howard County is a no-brainer. I appreciate that close collaboration with the members of our Board of Education, County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard Community College President Dr. Daria Willis, is the norm and I appreciate being part of this team," said HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes at the news conference.

HCC President Dr. Daria J. Willis said the college prioritizes recycling, composting and environmental preservation considering their location near waterways and green habitats.

“Today's agreement will help HCC expand its solar paneling program to reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources to power operations across our teaching and learning functions. We are grateful for our partnership with the county, and our shared commitment to a healthy, sustainable future for all residents," Willis said.