COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is pleased to announce the planned construction of a 2.2 MW dual-array solar project in Chestertown, Maryland. Developed by GreenGen and funded in part with financing from MCEC and grants from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), the installation will contribute 1.2 MW to municipal operations and 1.0 MW for community solar once operational.
MCEC worked with the Town to develop this project from the ground up, providing support including working with the Chestertown team to review their goals and determine the best project development pathway, through procurement, contract award, utility interconnection and construction contract management.
In addition, MCEC financed the project, first by providing a $1.5 million bridge loan for early mobilization for upfront costs through the Climate Catalytic Capital Fund (C3 Fund) and then followed by $6 million of tax-exempt financing from Maryland Clean Energy Capital Program (MCAP) for repayment of the bridge loan and funding of the balance construction costs. This initiative demonstrates the start-to-finish value driven when combining MCEC project management services with its flexible financing solutions. In addition, the Maryland Energy Administration provided a $1 million grant through its Local Government Energy Modification (L-GEM) program for the project, which significantly improves the viability of the project for the Town.
“Chestertown is setting a powerful example for local governments throughout Maryland in demonstrating how communities can deploy solar to address both affordability and reliability for residents and local governments at the same time.” said MCEC Executive Director Kathy Magruder. “MCEC supported this initiative from idea to implementation, including procurement and technical support. We can do the same for other towns and cities in the state.”
Once complete, the solar array is projected to avoid approximately 1,300 metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to eliminating nearly 3.3 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered vehicle. Additionally, Chestertown anticipates annual town cost savings of approximately $400,000, while community solar participants are projected to save 10-20% on annual electricity costs.
Thanks to the efforts of local leaders and coordination between Chestertown, GreenGen, MEA, and MCEC, the project will deliver long-term energy cost stability for residents, increase the town’s energy independence, and drive environmental and economic value for the community.
“The 4,400 solar panels in Chestertown’s new solar array will deliver affordable, clean and reliable electricity to the town and its residents, but their value goes far beyond,” said MEA Director Kelly Speakes-Backman. “This project will show that solar energy can cut energy costs and emissions in all parts of the state. Marylanders have an understanding that we need more affordable, local energy generation, and this project illustrates a workable approach to delivering it.”
“Chestertown is proving that small towns can be clean energy leaders,” said Chestertown Mayor Meghan Efland. “By advancing our path to net-zero and keeping this project municipally owned, we’re ensuring that every dollar of savings strengthens our community. This is energy independence that works for local government and our residents alike.”
“Supporting Chestertown’s clean energy future is especially meaningful for us as a Maryland-based energy solutions company,” said Brad Dockser, CEO of GreenGen. “It reflects our mission to turn sustainability goals into practical, financeable projects with real impact. What sticks out is the dual benefit: emissions reductions alongside measurable cost savings, and we’re proud to support Chestertown, MCEC, and the State of Maryland in strengthening local budgets while reducing carbon emissions.”
Structured as a long-term municipal asset, the project is expected to generate annual revenue for the town over its 25-year operational life, with construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with the project anticipated to be operational by early 2027.
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