Howard County Becomes First Community Solar Developer in Maryland

County plans five community solar projects to provide discounted renewable power to low- and moderate-income households.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:11pm

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A vibrant abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, green, and yellow, conceptually representing the expansion of community solar energy to benefit low-income households.Howard County's community solar projects will bring affordable, renewable power to underserved residents, advancing the county's sustainability goals.Columbia Today

Howard County, Maryland, has announced plans to become the state's first community solar developer, with five solar projects in the works that will generate a combined five megawatts of electricity. The county will make half the power from one project available for free to low-income households, while selling power from the other four projects at a 25% discount to low- and moderate-income subscribers.

Why it matters

This initiative represents Howard County's commitment to expanding access to affordable, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging community solar, the county aims to lower utility costs for underserved residents while advancing its sustainability goals.

The details

The five community solar projects include a ground-mount array at the former Carrs Mill Landfill, solar parking canopies at several county facilities, and a partnership with the Howard County Public School System and Howard Community College to develop an additional seven megawatts of solar power. The county has secured over $4.4 million in grants from the Maryland Energy Administration to support these efforts.

  • In his proposed fiscal year 2027 capital budget, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball included $14 million to advance the five community solar projects.
  • The county plans to complete the projects by the end of 2027.
  • In August 2025, the county, school system, and community college signed an agreement to develop seven megawatts of additional solar power.

The players

Calvin Ball

The Howard County Executive who announced the community solar initiative and included funding for it in the county's proposed budget.

Serena McIlwain

The Maryland Secretary of Environment who praised the county's leadership in renewable energy development.

Eric Coffman

The director of energy programs at the Maryland Energy Administration, which has awarded the county over $4.4 million in grants to support the community solar projects.

Howard County Public School System

A partner with the county and Howard Community College in developing an additional seven megawatts of solar power.

Howard Community College

A partner with the county and school system in developing an additional seven megawatts of solar power.

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What they’re saying

“Solar energy represents more than just a shift in how we power our homes and businesses; it's a commitment to a cleaner, more resilient future for Howard County.”

— Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive

“This is what's possible when we work together with purpose and partnership. Solar energy is lowering costs, improving air quality and expanding opportunity. With leadership from Gov. Moore and County Executive Calvin Ball, we're not waiting—we're building the future together.”

— Serena McIlwain, Maryland Secretary of Environment

“Howard County has been a leader among local governments – both in Maryland and nationwide – in identifying ways to deploy clean energy to save residents money. The county's commitment to advance long-term capital projects and identify emerging opportunities has been highly effective at cutting emissions and operating costs. MEA looks forward to the returns on our mutual investments in clean energy projects that control costs for residents and speed Maryland's progress toward its climate goals.”

— Eric Coffman, Director of Energy Programs, Maryland Energy Administration

What’s next

The five community solar projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2027, at which point the county will begin providing discounted or free renewable power to low- and moderate-income households.

The takeaway

Howard County's pioneering community solar initiative demonstrates how local governments can leverage renewable energy to address issues of affordability and sustainability, setting an example for other communities in Maryland and beyond.