Project launched to develop, build 20MW PV power plant on grounds around Maryland prison

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Plans are in the works to develop and build a 20MW solar PV power plant on property surrounding the Maryland Correctional Institution outside of Hagerstown. The project would be the largest commercial solar facility in the state.

Eaton-based Maryland Solar LLC said it expects to begin construction by the end of this year and commence commercial operation in late 2012. The project will cost approximately $70 million to construct and will employ around 125 workers in the course of a one-year buildout.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

At peak output, the project would produce enough electricity to power about 2,250 average homes. The solar farm will more than double the amount of solar power currently generated within Maryland.

In addition, Maryland Solar plans to incorporate Hagerstown Community College into the project plan, giving the solar farm a unique educational element. 

College President Guy Altieri and the company recently reached a written understanding to incorporate the development, construction, and operation of the project into the Alternative Energy Curriculum at HCC. This understanding, among other things, seeks to provide internships and/or job-shadowing opportunities to student, allow classes to visit the site during construction, and provide data connection and support to facilitate the creation of an offsite monitoring room in HCC's new Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) building where classes could monitor in real time energy generation reports from the solar farm.

Maryland Solar has also begun discussions with officials at the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to use prerelease inmates at MCI for routine maintenance efforts at the solar farm like grass maintenance and panel cleaning.

Read Next

September 9, 2025
Iberdrola has signed a 77MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Italian grocery retail group Selex Gruppo Commerciale.
September 9, 2025
Nautilus and Summit Ridge Energy secured major financing deals to expand community solar projects across multiple US states.
September 9, 2025
The US is forecast to reach between US$55-60 billion in clean energy tax credit monetisation in 2025, according to a report from clean energy financing technology platform Crux.
September 9, 2025
The average price of solar modules sold in Europe fell marginally between July and August, while buyers’ confidence remained steady.
September 9, 2025
The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a policy blueprint which it claims would “strengthen the reliability of America’s electric grid with solar and storage technologies.”
September 9, 2025
US solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker has acquired Origami Solar, a steel frame technology-focused company, for approximately US$53 million. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines