Summit Ridge Energy has developed a 2.1-MW rooftop solar array expected to deliver over 2.6 million kWh of electricity annually to the Baltimore, Maryland community. The solar installation will be hosted at an AEW-managed industrial facility and will supply clean energy to the local electric utility, Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, through the Maryland Community Solar program.
“AEW has been steadfast in our commitment to make a positive, long-lasting impact and continue our focus on ESG+R principles,” said Anne Peck, head of architecture and engineering at AEW. “These projects reflect that commitment. We are proud to host this solar array that will bring more renewable energy to Maryland and we look forward to implementing additional renewable energy projects in the future.”
The rooftop solar system was facilitated through AEW’s partnership with Black Bear Energy and was developed by Summit Ridge Energy, the largest owner-operator of community solar in the United States. It is slated to begin commercial operation in early July 2021.
“It has been a pleasure collaborating with AEW and Summit Ridge Energy on this project and we are excited to see it moving forward. It is a perfect example of how the Maryland community solar market provides a unique opportunity for commercial property owners to realize additional value for their portfolios while contributing renewable energy to the local community,” said Drew Torbin, Black Bear Energy’s CEO.
This solar project is part of a larger renewable energy, sustainability, and resiliency strategy for AEW’s global portfolio of commercial properties.
“AEW and Black Bear Energy have been fantastic partners to work with throughout the entire development and construction process. We are excited about the positive impacts this project will have on this building and the surrounding community, and we look forward to more opportunities to partner with AEW and Black Bear Energy on additional solar projects on other AEW properties,” said Nate Greenberg, VP of rooftop community solar at Summit Ridge Energy.
News item from AEW
That’s the thing with these large rooftop installations in communities. Folks see these large roofs as a covering to keep the weather out. There’s also quite a bit of area to install solar PV panels and generate power every day. If the system is centrally located in the community, there will be less transformer steps to get the generated power onto the grid for residential use. Saving 10% on transformer step losses makes a big difference in the grid efficiency overall.
Back in 2010 and beyond, a lot of big box stores like Walmart, Target, IKEA, and some supermarket chains had solar PV installed on their large roof spaces. It was found that a reliable 30% savings in electricity could be achieved with these roof top arrays. Some of those same roof top arrays were later augmented with on site energy storage and smart energy programs. It has been found that being able to control when solar PV generated energy is (used) can take on the onerous “demand charges” most utilities add to electric bills for these commercial entities. By being able to service the building loads during these times of demand charges, the company can save up to 50% on their monthly electric bills.