TurningPoint Energy (TPE) and Pivot Energy celebrated the energization of a new 2.9-megawatt direct current community 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 Howard County, the solar array consists of nearly 5,500 modules spanning about 10 football fields and is expected to generate approximately 4.25 million kilowatt hours of affordable renewable energy annually, enough to power up to 370 Maryland homes.
The solar farm is part of Maryland’s Community Solar Energy Generating System (CSEGS) Pilot Program, which allows Baltimore Gas & Electric (BG&E) customers to subscribe and receive an average 10% savings on their electricity bills. The project is fully subscribed, with 11 participants including a local church, reflecting strong community interest in shared renewable energy.
“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.”
In addition to clean energy, the solar farm will support dual-use agriculture 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. The partners are also investing $120,000 in community donations to local organizations, including the Autism Society of Maryland, Howard County Conservancy, and Maryland Fuel Fund. Debbie Brown, Executive Director of the Fuel Fund of Maryland, noted that Pivot’s $18,000 contribution will help keep 72 households connected and empowered in 2025.
The project contributes to Maryland’s goal of achieving 50% renewable electricity by 2030. Councilmember Deb Jung of Howard County praised the county’s solar-friendly zoning regulations, stating, “We might not be a big County, but we are mighty when it comes to climate-forward solutions.”
For more information about TPE, visit turningpoint-energy.com. Learn more about Pivot Energy at pivotenergy.net.
