- Lime Kiln community solar project provides enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of up to 500 Maryland homes and businesses.
- The project eliminates greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 800 gasoline-powered cars off the road.
- The project provides Marylanders with savings on energy bills, supports biodiversity and augments the state’s growing reputation as a renewables leader.
Rockville, Md. — Maryland’s Howard County community celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday to recognize the energization of a new 3.2 megawatt (MWdc) community solar project in Fulton.
The Lime Kiln project was developed by Chaberton Energy, a leading Maryland-based renewable energy developer, and is owned and operated by Pivot Energy, a national, Colorado-based renewable energy provider and independent power producer.
Local Howard County leaders, members of the community and partners in the development and construction of the project attended the ribbon cutting. Also, during the event, Chaberton Energy, through Chaberton Cares, presented the Bright Minds Foundation, Howard County Public Schools’ education foundation, with a $10,000 check to fund a STEM scholarship for graduating seniors the next five years.
“We are so proud to bring new renewable energy generation to Maryland and Howard County,” said Stefano Ratti, founder and CEO of Chaberton Energy. “With growing energy demand and rising electric bills, projects like Lime Kiln help ease pressure on the power grid and save families money.”
The project is part of the Maryland Community Solar program and is fully subscribed. Community solar enables area residents and businesses to gain access to lower-cost, renewable energy generated locally. Subscribers to Lime Kiln will save an average of 10% off their electricity bill each year.
“Renewable energy projects like this one are critical to the continued success of Howard County,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, who spoke during the ceremony. “Solar is bringing locally generated energy to our community, while helping meet Maryland’s ambitious goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2035.”
This project also incorporates agrivoltaics, which is the practice of combining solar energy generation with agricultural activity on the same land.
“Lime Kiln will support sheep grazing, native pollinator planting, and other efforts to ensure the long-term productivity of this land,” said Richard Gilker, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations, Pivot Energy. “We are bringing real benefits to the Howard County community.”
The Lime Kiln project will use 15 acres on a 57-acre tract of land and include local pollinators such as:
• Milkweed, a Monarch butterfly favorite
• Black-eyed Susans, the Maryland state flower
• Asters and mountain mint
These carefully selected native plants will attract insects, butterflies and birds, helping support the surrounding area’s biodiversity and agriculture.
Chaberton has more than 200 MWdc of community solar projects in Maryland in operation, construction or active development. Pivot and Chaberton have partnered on approximately 40 MWac of solar projects in the U.S.
Lime Kiln is one of two Pivot / Chaberton projects expected to be energized in Maryland this summer. Project Greyrock, a 3.3 MWdc solar project in Wicomico County, will start providing electricity to local residents in the near future.
About Chaberton Energy
Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation developing renewable distributed energy projects, with a particular emphasis on community solar, solar for businesses and storage. Chaberton was named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and ranks as the No. 1 fastest-growing community solar company, the No. 2 fastest-growing Maryland company, and the No. 34 fastest-growing company overall.
Media Contact:
Lia Morrison
412-573-9095
Lia.Morrison@chaberton.com
