Data Analytics and Statistics Hub

Clean and Sustainable Environment

Receive 20% of power for County government operations from renewable sources by 2025

37% 

FY23 Actual


FY22 Actual
2%

Objective Description

Renewable energy brings better air quality, lower costs to consumers, and local job opportunities. In 2020, Howard County signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to install 24 megawatts (MW) of solar power on County-owned and privately owned sites. These solar projects will power nearly 50% of County operations and result in $1.2 million in savings over 25 years, with no up-front capital costs to the County. Construction began in 2021.

Trend Analysis

On County-owned property, Howard County currently has 10 rooftop solar systems, 2 ground mounts, and 3 solar parking canopies, for a total of 2 MWac. In addition, Howard County purchases solar energy from 8 ground mounted solar arrays (16 MWac total) on privately owned land in West Friendship, MD, developed under the County's solar PPA. Approximately 37% of the Howard County government's electricity usage currently comes from solar energy.

Strategies

  • Conduct analysis of County properties to determine feasibility of adding solar to rooftops, parking lots, and lands.
  • Seek additional solar project opportunities on Howard County property
  • Install solar projects on County properties, including County-owned projects and/or Power Purchase Agreements.
  • Monitor and report on energy generation from solar installations on County properties.

Source: Office of Community Sustainability

Detailed Analysis


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