HoCo Solar Farm — Howard County Community Solar

About the Initiative

A Historic First
for Maryland

On April 7, 2026, County Executive Calvin Ball announced that Howard County will become Maryland's first community solar developer — a landmark step in making clean energy accessible and affordable for all residents.

With $14 million in the proposed FY 2027 Capital Budget and over $4.4 million in Maryland Energy Administration grants, the County is building five solar projects across Howard County that will generate a combined 5 megawatts of electricity.

This isn't just about clean energy — it's about equity. Half the power from the largest project will be provided free to low-income households, while the remaining projects will offer 25% discounts to low- and moderate-income subscribers.

County Executive Calvin Ball

Leading Howard County's commitment to affordable, renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions since 2018.

Photo: Howard County Government / Flickr

Solar Projects

5MW

Clean Energy

500+

Households Served

$14M

County Investment

Five Solar Sites

Solar Projects Across
Howard County

From a repurposed landfill to park parking canopies, these five sites will bring clean energy to every corner of the county — with completion targeted by the end of 2027.

★ Featured Project

Carrs Mill Landfill

Western Howard County — Ground-Mount Solar Array

The crown jewel of the initiative. This former landfill is being transformed into Howard County's largest community solar installation. Half of the power generated here will be provided completely free to low-income households — making clean energy truly accessible for those who need it most.

Ground-Mount Array $3.075M MEA Grant Free Power for LMI

Rows of ground-mounted solar panels on open land — similar to the Carrs Mill Landfill project

Canopy

Ascend One Building

Columbia

Solar parking canopy providing shaded parking and clean energy generation at a county office building.

25% Discount

Canopy

Blandair Regional Park

Columbia

Solar canopy at one of the county's premier recreational parks, operated by the Department of Recreation & Parks.

25% Discount

Canopy

Cedar Lane Park

Columbia

Another Recreation & Parks site contributing to the county's distributed solar network with a parking canopy system.

25% Discount

Canopy

Troy Park

Elkridge

Extending solar access to the Elkridge community through a parking canopy installation at this popular park.

25% Discount

Real Savings

Lower Your Electric Bill
With Community Solar

No rooftop panels. No installation. No upfront costs. Just clean energy credits applied directly to your existing BGE utility bill.

Free Power

Low-Income Households

100%

of eligible bill offset

Power from Carrs Mill Landfill project
No cost to qualifying families
Income-based eligibility
Credits on your BGE bill

25% Discount

Low & Moderate-Income

25%

off your electric bill

Power from 4 solar canopy sites
Guaranteed 25% savings
Income up to 80% AMI eligible
No panels or installation needed

Join Waitlist

Stay Informed

All Howard County Residents

Coming 2027

future enrollment opportunities

Get notified of new solar programs
Priority access as programs expand
Community solar updates
Sustainability event invitations

Simple Process

How Community
Solar Works

No panels on your roof. No installation crews. No upfront costs. Community solar lets you benefit from local solar energy through your existing utility bill.

Join the Waitlist

Sign up with your basic information — name, address, utility provider, and average monthly bill. We'll use this to match you with the right solar project and savings tier when enrollment opens.

Get Matched

When projects come online in late 2027, we'll match you to a county solar farm based on your eligibility, location, and energy usage. Eligible low-income households may qualify for free power; others receive the 25% discount.

Subscribe & Save

Once matched, you'll formally enroll with your utility account details. The solar farm generates electricity, your share gets credited directly on your BGE bill, and you see the savings every month — it's that simple.

Enjoy Clean Energy

That's it. The solar farm produces clean electricity, you get credits on your bill, and Howard County reduces its carbon footprint. You're part of the clean energy future — no roof panels, no equipment, no hassle.

Join the Waitlist

Be First in Line
for Solar Savings

Enrollment for Howard County's community solar projects will open as sites come online in late 2027. Join the waitlist now to secure your spot and be notified the moment enrollment begins.

Suburban home in a Howard County neighborhood

Bringing clean energy to Howard County homes

No Obligation

Joining the waitlist is free and doesn't commit you to anything.

Your Data Is Safe

Information is used only for program enrollment notifications.

Priority Access

Waitlist members will be first to enroll when projects go live.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Utility Provider *

Average Monthly Electric Bill

Household Size

I'm interested in:

Free power for low-income households 25% discount program General information / stay informed

By joining, you agree to receive program updates about Howard County's community solar initiative. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is community solar?

Community solar allows multiple households to benefit from a single, shared solar installation — without putting panels on their own roofs. The solar farm generates electricity, and subscribers receive credits on their utility bills for their share of the power produced. It's especially beneficial for renters, condo owners, and anyone whose roof isn't suitable for solar panels.

Do I need to install anything on my home?

No. That's the beauty of community solar. There are no panels to install, no equipment to maintain, and no changes to your home. The solar arrays are built on county-owned land and parking structures. You simply subscribe and see credits appear on your existing BGE utility bill.

Who qualifies for the free power program?

The free power program from the Carrs Mill Landfill project is designed for low-income Howard County households. Eligibility will be determined based on household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Baltimore metropolitan area. Participants in existing assistance programs like LIHEAP or weatherization may also qualify. Specific eligibility criteria will be finalized before enrollment opens.

How much will I save with the 25% discount?

Your savings depend on your current electricity usage. With a guaranteed 25% discount on the solar portion of your bill, a household spending $150/month on electricity could potentially save $30-$40+ per month, or $360-$480+ annually. The solar credits are applied directly to your existing utility bill — you'll see the reduction every month.

Can renters participate?

Yes! Community solar is ideal for renters. As long as you have a BGE utility account in your name and your service address is in Howard County, you can participate. You don't need to own your home or have permission from a landlord since nothing is installed on the property.

When will the projects be completed?

All five solar projects are targeted for completion by the end of 2027. The $14 million is included in the proposed FY 2027 Capital Budget, with $4.4 million already secured through Maryland Energy Administration grants. Enrollment for subscribers will open as projects near completion.

Is this a government program or a private company?

This is a Howard County Government initiative. Howard County is the first jurisdiction in Maryland to become a community solar developer — meaning the county itself is developing, owning, and operating these solar projects on county-owned land. This public ownership model ensures that the benefits go directly to residents, especially low- and moderate-income households.

What is Maryland's Community Solar Program?

Maryland's Community Solar Program, managed by the Public Service Commission, enables residents to subscribe to shared solar projects and receive bill credits. Originally a pilot that ran for seven years, it was made permanent in 2023 by House Bill 908. The program is available in BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and Delmarva Power service areas, with consolidated billing being implemented by mid-2026.

Clean, Local Solar Available for Every Howard County Household

A Historic First
for Maryland