Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich met with partners to announce a first-of-its-kind solar farm. 

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently met with Ameresco, Inc. and Neighborhood Sun to announce a first-of-its-kind solar farm bringing clean energy to thousands of residents. The project has converted the former Oaks Landfill into the Oaks Landfill Community Solar Farm. This site is the nation’s largest community solar farm to be 100-percent dedicated to low- and moderate-income residents.

According to the event announcement:

Residents in the Pepco Maryland utility territory can benefit from the Oaks Landfill Community Solar Farm. It’s the largest in the country that is dedicated 100% to providing electricity to low and moderate income residents.

For residents who qualify:

• There is no installation of any solar panels on their home or property (perfect for renters!) as it’s all delivered through the normal power lines
• It’s no cost to join and no cost to cancel
• It’s a state-provided opportunity to help residents receive local, clean energy while cutting utility costs.
• If qualified, it’s a guaranteed 25% discount off their current electricity costs

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection owns the capped landfill. In 2019 the Department of General Services announced their intent to,

…install a large scale ground-mount solar energy system at the former landfill on top of the closed cap. The 6 megawatt ballasted ground mount system will be the largest solar project on County property. The solar energy system is expected to generate 11.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year – enough to power 930 homes. The solar power is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as taking 1,740 cars off the road.

This project represents some of the unique and innovative actions being taken by Maryland counties in helping to mitigate climate change.

Read the full media advisory.

Read more about the Oaks Landfill community solar project.