The Fritz Family Farms in New Windsor, Maryland recently partnered with Standard Solar, a solar energy company specializing in the development, funding and operations of solar electric systems nationwide, on a 2.7-MW solar array on 12 acres of their 400-acre grain, hay and cattle farm.
“This project provides economic benefit to the landowner, operator and community while harnessing clean renewable energy,” said Jeffrey Fritz, Fritz Family Farms. “We have been using our own solar energy in our operation since 2014 and felt this was an excellent opportunity to diversify our income.”
Standard Solar teamed with Earth and Air Technologies and Ogos Energy to develop and build the single-axis tracking solar array that is configured for Maryland’s Virtual Aggregate Net Energy Metering program, facilitated through Maryland’s 2019 Clean Energy Jobs Act.
“This solar project is a win-win scenario for all — it is transforming a portion of low yield land into 20-year predictable revenue for a family-run farm while providing affordable, reliable power to the region’s public water authority,” said John Finnerty, director of business development, Standard Solar. “It also highlights how smart solar project siting practices can benefit agriculture, complement farm operations and land use.”
Standard Solar financed and will own and operate the 7,336-panel high efficiency engineered project that is expected to produce approximately 4,000 MWh annually. The power will be purchased by WSSC Water, a wastewater utility, contributing to its sustainability goals and adding value for its Maryland customers.
“Energy management is critical to WSSC Water,” said Robert Taylor, energy manager, WSSC Water. “Investing in solar energy pays dividends both economically and environmentally as it lowers our dependence on carbon-based fuels.”
WSSC Water has worked with Standard Solar on more than 14 MW of solar PV now operational at its Western Branch Water Resource Recovery Facility in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the Seneca Water Resource Recovery Facility in Germantown, Maryland, and two additional off-site locations. Combined, the systems produce approximately 19,000 MWh of energy annually.
News item from Standard Solar
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