$50 million in solar panels headed for Maryland state lands

The panels will be installed on MDOT parking lots and brownfields, providing 20% of the department's electricity needs.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has signed a deal with the Maryland Energy Administration to install about $50 million worth of solar panels on MDOT-owned parking lots and brownfields across the state. The project, funded by the state's Strategic Energy Investment Fund, is expected to generate 35 megawatts of power, enough to power around 120,000 Maryland homes for a year. The highly visible solar installations are intended to help change public perceptions about renewable energy.

Why it matters

The transportation sector is Maryland's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so this project represents a concrete step by the state to address climate change and meet its renewable energy goals. The solar panels will also help offset MDOT's significant electricity usage, potentially lowering energy bills for the department and the state.

The details

MDOT will install the solar panels on 115 acres of its land, including parking lots and previously developed brownfield sites. The project is expected to take 1-2 years to complete once the bidding process and utility interconnection agreements are finalized. Once operational, the panels will account for about 20% of MDOT's total electricity consumption, which is significant given the department's large energy footprint from facilities like the airport and transit authority.

  • The project is expected to be put out for contractor bids before the end of 2026.
  • Installation of the solar panels is anticipated to take 12-18 months once the bidding process is complete.

The players

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state agency responsible for transportation infrastructure, including highways, airports, and transit systems. MDOT is one of the largest landowners in Maryland and is spearheading this solar project.

Maryland Energy Administration (MEA)

The state agency that oversees energy policy and programs, including the Strategic Energy Investment Fund that is providing funding for the MDOT solar project.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland who has proposed pulling $292 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to help balance the state budget, while also allocating hundreds of millions to climate and energy programs.

Kelly Speakes-Backman

The recently appointed director of the Maryland Energy Administration, who previously served in the Biden administration.

Kathryn Thomson

The acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, overseeing the agency's renewable energy initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“They [solar installations] will be highly visible. And I think that that also is huge for changing hearts and minds.”

— Evie Schwartz, Assistant Division Director, Maryland Energy Administration (marylandmatters.org)

“Just like homeowners save on their electric bill when they have solar on their roofs, the state can save on what we need to pay for our energy bills by having it on state lands. That's a really great thing.”

— Kelly Speakes-Backman, Director, Maryland Energy Administration (marylandmatters.org)

“It's an important concrete, visible commitment that we're not just saying the words that addressing climate change is important, but we're taking actions, visible actions, to do it ourselves.”

— Kathryn Thomson, Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation (marylandmatters.org)

What’s next

MDOT is expected to release a request for bids from solar companies to install the panels on its properties before the end of 2026. Once a contractor is selected, the installation process is anticipated to take 12-18 months.

The takeaway

This $50 million solar project on Maryland state lands represents a significant investment in renewable energy that will help the state meet its climate goals, offset MDOT's energy usage, and raise public awareness about the benefits of solar power. It demonstrates the state's commitment to taking concrete actions to address climate change, rather than just making rhetorical commitments.