One of Chaberton Energy’s completed community solar projects.
Chaberton Energy has announced that construction has begun on a new 2.9 MWdirect current community solar project located in Fulton, Maryland. The Lime Kiln solar project was developed by Chaberton and is owned and operated by Pivot Energy.
The Lime Kiln community solar project will be part of the Maryland Community Solar program, allowing residents and businesses to subscribe. When completed, it will provide cheaper electricity to residents of all income groups who want access to clean energy but may not be able to install solar panels on their own properties.
“The Lime Kiln solar project will bring additional clean energy to our community and provide Howard County residents with greater access to lower electric bills,” said Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin B Ball. “The project also helps advance our Howard County Climate Forward plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2045. We’re excited to have this new solar panel in our community as we continue to lead the way in energy independence. .”
It took many steps and significant collaboration with county and state officials to get the project approved so it can be built to provide clean energy, support the community and contribute to the area’s biodiversity.
“This is another major victory for clean energy and for equitable access to renewable energy in our home state of Maryland,” said Mike Doniger, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Chaberton. “This is a great example of how community solar can work for local residents, and I can’t wait to see this project get underway.”
Project Lime Kiln is expected to be operational in the first half of 2025.
Chaberton and Pivot, who have worked together on other projects in Howard County, have also made contributions to community charities such as Brightminds, the Community Ecology Institute and POWER52.
The Lime Kiln project will use 15 hectares on a 57 hectare plot of land and will include local pollinators such as:
- Milkweed, a favorite of the monarch butterfly;
- Black-eyed Susans, the state flower of Maryland; And
- Asters and mountain mint, to name a few.
These carefully selected native plants will attract insects, butterflies and birds, supporting biodiversity and agriculture in the area.
News item from Chaberton Energy