Chaberton Energy, a leading community solar developer, has announced the start of construction on a new 2.9 megawatt (MWdc) community solar project in Fulton, Howard County, Maryland. The Lime Kiln project, owned and operated by Pivot Energy, a national renewable energy independent power producer, is part of the Maryland Community Solar program, allowing residents and businesses to subscribe to clean energy.
Upon completion, the project will provide lower-cost electricity to residents of all income levels who desire access to clean energy but lack the ability to install solar panels on their property. The project will produce over 4.6 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 400 homes. This clean energy project’s environmental impact is equivalent to removing nearly 800 gasoline-powered cars from the road.
Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin B. Ball expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The Lime Kiln solar project will bring additional clean energy to our community and offer Howard County residents greater access to lower electric bills.” The project aligns with the county’s “Howard County Climate Forward” plan, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2045.
The project’s approval required extensive collaboration with county and state officials, ensuring its contribution to clean energy, community support, and biodiversity enhancement. “This is another big win for clean energy and for equitable access to renewable energy in our home state of Maryland,” said Mike Doniger, Chaberton Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer.
Project Lime Kiln is anticipated to be operational in the first half of 2025. “Pivot Energy is excited to build and operate the Lime Kiln energy project, to further engage in the Howard community, while providing clean, affordable energy to the people who live here,” said Brit Gibson, Chief Operating Officer of Pivot. “Pivot provides more than just clean energy to the local communities that host our solar projects. We are accelerating an equitable shift to clean energy in communities throughout the nation by developing, financing and servicing renewable energy projects.”
Chaberton and Pivot, who have collaborated on other projects in Howard County, have also made contributions to local charitable organizations like Brightminds, the Community Ecology Institute, and POWER52. Chaberton was recently recognized as the 34th fastest-growing private company in America on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. The company is a leading Maryland-based community solar developer with over 200 megawatts of projects in operation, construction, or active development within the state. In July, Chaberton became the first company to receive a favorable recommendation from the state’s Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) for a community solar project through the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity process.
The Lime Kiln project will utilize 15 acres on a 57-acre tract of land and incorporate local pollinators such as milkweed, black-eyed Susans, asters, and mountain mint. These native plants will attract insects, butterflies, and birds, fostering biodiversity and supporting the surrounding area’s agriculture.
About Chaberton Energy
Headquartered in Maryland, Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation dedicated to developing sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Their work encompasses site conception to full operations, emphasizing distributed energy, community solar, and commercial and industrial initiatives. They prioritize the communities they serve, including employees, landowners, neighbors, customers, regulators, development partners, and investors. Rooted in creativity, excellence, and humanity, their team strives to create sustainable renewable energy solutions. These projects support the clean energy transition, reduce pollution, and provide economic benefits to residents and businesses.
About Pivot Energy
Pivot Energy is a renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, finances, builds, owns, and manages solar and energy storage projects. Pivot leverages its renewable expertise to offer unique solutions that accelerate the clean energy transition, assisting companies and communities in achieving impactful decarbonization. Pivot is a US-based Certified B-Corporation committed to a corporate strategy focused on positive societal impact as measured by environmental stewardship, social leadership, and responsible governance factors. Pivot Energy is an ECP portfolio company. Learn more at pivotenergy.net.
