Howard County Expands Solar with MCEC Partnership

Howard County, the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and Howard Community College (HCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding and launched a joint request for proposals for a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) to serve multiple county sites. The move builds on the county’s 2020 solar program and represents a significant step toward accelerating renewable energy adoption in Maryland.

The August 11 signing at East Columbia Library brought together County Executive Calvin Ball, Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky, HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes, and HCC President Daria Willis. MCEC Executive Director Kathy Magruder and county sustainability officials emphasized the value of local leadership in meeting state climate goals.

“In a time of evolving energy policies, it’s more important than ever for local governments and institutions to lead the way in clean energy,” said Kathy Magruder, Executive Director of MCEC, in the announcement.

Building on Proven Savings

A solar PPA allows organizations to install and maintain renewable systems at no upfront cost, paying a negotiated electricity rate while capturing emissions reductions and budget savings. Howard County’s existing PPA, launched in 2020, installed 18 solar projects that now meet more than half the county government’s electricity needs, generating enough power for over 3,000 homes and avoiding the equivalent emissions of 4,563 cars each year.

According to Ball, that program is projected to save the county about $30 million over its 25-year term. The new initiative will extend similar benefits to schools and the community college, expanding clean energy use across county facilities.

Broader Sustainability Agenda

The MOU commits the partners to advancing projects beyond solar, including:

• Renewable energy technologies such as microgrids.
• Procurement and pricing evaluations for energy performance contracts.
• EV charging infrastructure and fleet electrification.
• Energy efficiency and resiliency financing through MCEC programs.
• County facility energy audits.

This aligns with broader Maryland clean energy trends: as of 2024, the state had installed more than 1.7 GW of solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, and is working toward a 50% renewable portfolio standard by 2030.

“Together, we are building a cleaner, more sustainable future for all Marylanders,” Magruder said.

A Model for Statewide Replication

MCEC serves as Maryland’s green bank, offering financing tools, procurement expertise, and technical support to accelerate renewable and energy efficiency projects, particularly in underserved communities. By integrating education, local government, and state financing resources, the Howard County partnership could become a template for similar initiatives across Maryland.