TurningPoint Energy and Pivot Energy Launch 2.9MW Solar Farm in Maryland, First in 16.6MW Portfolio

The Baltimore region has gained a new 2.9-megawatt direct current solar farm following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Clarksville, Maryland site on September 25. The project represents the first operational facility in a six-project, 16.6 MWdc portfolio developed by TurningPoint Energy and owned and operated by Pivot Energy. The solar farm's completion signals meaningful progress toward Maryland's renewable energy objectives while delivering tangible benefits to local residents through the state's Community Solar Energy Generating System Pilot Program.

Salar Naini, President of TurningPoint Energy, emphasized the company's commitment to community stewardship, stating that the project helps Maryland move closer to its renewable energy goals while directly benefiting local residents. The solar array, consisting of nearly 5,500 solar modules covering an area equivalent to nearly 10 football fields, began generating electricity this summer and will produce approximately 4.25 million kilowatt hours annually. This output is sufficient to power the equivalent of up to 370 Maryland homes, contributing significantly to the state's target of achieving 50% renewable electricity by 2030.

The project's participation in Maryland's innovative community solar program enables Baltimore Gas & Electric customers to access lower-cost renewable energy generated locally. Subscribers to this community solar farm will save an average of 10% on their electricity bills annually, with the project already achieving full subscription status among 11 unique participants, including a local church. This demonstrates strong community engagement with shared renewable energy solutions. Additional information about community solar programs can be found at turningpoint-energy.com.

Beyond energy generation, the solar farm incorporates dual-use land management practices including sheep grazing, native pollinator planting, and other efforts to ensure long-term land productivity. Samantha Frick, Director of Community Relations and Impact at Pivot Energy, highlighted how these initiatives bring real benefits to Howard County while supporting environmental stewardship. The companies have committed $120,000 in community donations across the broader portfolio, with local recipients including the Autism Society of Maryland, Bryant Woods Elementary School PTA, Community Action Council of Howard County, and several other nonprofit organizations. More details about Pivot Energy's community impact initiatives are available at pivotenergy.net.

Howard County Councilmember Deb Jung praised the project as evidence of the county's commitment to climate-forward solutions, noting that local zoning regulations have been aligned to support solar development. The partnership between TurningPoint Energy and Pivot Energy demonstrates how renewable energy projects can simultaneously advance environmental goals, provide economic benefits to subscribers, and support local communities through strategic investments. Debbie Brown, Executive Director of the Fuel Fund of Maryland, acknowledged Pivot's $18,000 contribution that will help keep 72 Maryland households connected to essential energy services, highlighting the multifaceted value such projects bring beyond clean energy generation.