East Columbia Library
Part of the Howard County government's historic solar PPA, forecasted in total to generate more than $60M in energy cost savings.
Industry
Municipal & Public Institutions
Solar Strategy
Front-of-the-Meter
Behind-the-Meter
System Type
Rooftop
Canopy
EV Charging
System Type(s)
Ballasted Roof & Parking Canopy
Interconnection
Net Metered & Aggregate Net Metered
Property
Government Building, Public Library
Location
Howard County, MD
System Output
1,500,000 kWh/Yr
System Size
1,200 kW
Facility Size
40,000 Sq. Ft.
Overview
CI Renew partnered with the Howard County Government in 2020 to complete the largest and most innovative solar PPA in the state of Maryland. By aggregating rooftop, parking canopy, and ground-mounted projects into one extensive portfolio, the County transitioned over 50% of its energy consumption to solar and is forecasted to generate more than $60M in savings over the term of their agreement (25 years)--exceeding original savings and generation targets.
Part of the Howard County portfolio, the East Columbia Library project includes two unique solar projects. A ballasted rooftop array is net metered, supplying electricity from solar directly to the library. A series of parking canopies deliver power to other government facilities through virtual aggregate net metering (VANEM).
This site also received grant funding through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) which allowed for the installation of 6 EV charging stations that that currently allow building occupants to charge their electric vehicles at no cost.
"From rooftops to carports to ground mounts, we’re maximizing our ability to capture solar energy at our libraries, firehouses, police stations, our new circuit courthouse and more.”
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
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