Maryland co-op taps local solar

Origis Energy USA will sell electricity from the 27.5MW Ripley solar facility to the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO).

The project, which will be located on 300 acres in Charles County in Maryland, is expected to reach commercial operation by mid-2019.

SMECO will purchase all generated electricity and solar renewable energy credits for 25 years.

The project is awaiting approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission, as well as local permitting.

Origis Energy’s preliminary design calls for the use of single axis tracking technology and approximately 86,000 thin film solar panel modules.

Construction will also include the building of a short transmission line from the solar power site to the nearest substation.

The project will create approximately 150 jobs during construction, which is anticipated to start in early 2019.

SMECO president and chief executive Austin Slater said: “Developing solar projects right here in our service area gives us a couple of advantages.

“Not only are we able to procure renewable energy to help meet state requirements, but we are also able to avoid costly transmission fees.”

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