Procurement Subscribe

Chestertown: A Case Study

From Idea to Implementation

The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) worked with the Town of Chestertown to fund and develop a dual-array solar project to provide affordable electricity for residential use and municipal operations. Through project management services and various financing structures supported by MCEC’s suite of lending programs, the project became reality and broke ground in July 2026.  

How exactly did MCEC make this 2.2 MW system a reality? Check out the full case study below to find out.

A panoramic view of a coastal town featuring a mix of residential buildings and docks along the water. The scene includes boats in the water, trees with autumn foliage, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. The shoreline is lined with piers and grassy areas

The Project

MCEC worked with the Town to move the project from idea to implementation. Throughout the process, MCEC provided hands-on support with planning, evaluation, permitting, procurement, financing, and project management. This helped simplify a complex project, reduce risk, and keep development moving forward.

The 2.2 MW municipal-scale solar installation includes:

  • 1.2 MW dedicated to Town operations
    • System life of 25+ years
    • Supports municipal load reduction
  • 1.0 MW dedicated to community solar access
    • 40% capacity reserved for LMI households
    • Participates in Maryland Community Solar Program
A wooden sailing ship with multiple masts is docked at a wooden pier. The water is calm and reflects the clear blue sky. In the background, a bridge spans the waterway, and trees line the shore

The Challenge

The Town of Chestertown (the Town) set out to lower energy costs, reduce emissions, improve energy independence, expand access to clean energy for residents, and advance its goal of achieving net-zero municipal operations by developing a municipal-scale solar system. However, like many municipalities and nonprofit organizations pursuing large-scale clean energy projects, the Town faced a familiar set of challenges:

  • Limited funding & internal capacity
  • Lack of clean energy expertise & resources
  • Complex project planning, procurement, and management requirements
  • Need for objective, independent guidance to evaluate financially sustainable project options
A worker in an orange shirt and white hard hat is installing solar panels on a rooftop under a clear blue sky

The Solution

By providing strategic guidance and project management, MCEC helped streamline decision-making, reduce risk, and keep the project moving forward.

  • Evaluating project goals & feasibility
  • Identifying optimal development pathways
  • Guiding procurement process & vendor selection
  • Assisting with regulatory navigation & permitting
  • Supporting contract award & negotiation
  • Overseeing project management
  • Managing construction contracts
  • Conducting measurement & verification
A calculator, a silver pen, and printed financial documents with numerical data and graphs are arranged on a surface. The documents display various figures and charts related to financial analysis

Funding the Solution

In collaboration with the selected contractor, GreenGen, and the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), MCEC helped structure a comprehensive funding package that supported both project development and community resilience goals.

  • $1.5 million bridge loan from the MCEC Climate Catalytic Capital Fund
  • $6 million in tax-exempt financing from the MCEC Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program
  • $1 million grant from the MEA Local Government Energy Modification Program
  • $93,000 grant from the MEA Resilient Maryland Grant to conduct a planning study for the development of a Resiliency Hub and Microgrid
A marina filled with various boats and yachts docked at wooden piers, under a bright blue sky with large, fluffy white clouds. The scene captures multiple sailboat masts rising above the water, creating a picturesque waterfront view

The Results

Once complete, the project is expected to deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits for the Town, the community, and the environment.

  • $400,000 in annual revenue & savings for the Town
  • $0 in Town funds used to finance project
  • 10-20% electricity savings for participating residents
  • 1,300 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided annually
  • Increased local energy independence & budget stability
  • Reliable, clean, renewable energy for Town residents
  • Long-term value & resilience for the community
  • Permanent public asset ownership
Three construction workers wearing yellow hard hats and reflective vests are gathered around a laptop on a concrete surface. One worker is pointing at the laptop screen while another holds a set of blueprints

Need Help with a Project?

Many organizations have clean energy goals, but struggle with the realities of execution. MCEC bridges those gaps by serving as both a strategic advisor and implementation partner — bringing together technical expertise, financing solutions, procurement support, and project management under one roof. MCEC helps organizations move projects from vision to reality while reducing risk and maximizing community impact.

Contact Us
To top