Constellation reveals plans for 10-MW solar site near Ocean City, Md.

Constellation, an Exelon company, is breaking ground on a 10-MWdc solar energy project that will account for around 20 percent of the Town of Ocean City’s annual energy use. Sited about 10 miles west of downtown Ocean City, the solar array will provide energy for several of the town’s key buildings, including its city hall, convention center, and water plant.

“Thanks to our continued collaboration with Constellation, in the first year, the Town of Ocean City will receive nearly 6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity from this solar generation project, and a lower energy rate than conventional renewable electricity supply, saving Ocean City taxpayers an expected $120,000 per year,” said Mayor Rick Meehan.

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Upon completion, the solar project will satisfy a key commitment of Exelon’s 2016 merger with Pepco Holdings — adding 10 megawatts of solar generation in Delmarva Power’s Maryland service area. The system is expected to produce more than 5.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for the Town of Ocean City and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 4,200 metric tons in the first year, the greenhouse gas equivalent of 899 passenger vehicles driven, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

In addition to Ocean City, Eastman Chemical Company will procure a portion of the solar project’s production to power its manufacturing facility in Chestertown, Md. In total, the solar project consists of more than 30,000 PV panels on 113 acres of land. Developer United Renewable Energy will provide day-to-day oversight and coordination throughout the construction process. The project is slated to be completed before the end of 2018.

Tags: Constellation