Augustine Herman Solar- Clean Energy, Cultivated Locally.
At Lightstar, we grow a sustainable future through collaboration and shared purpose. Clean energy and working farmland aren't in competition—they thrive together. By bringing locally cultivated solar power to Cecil County, we help homeowners and communities reduce rising electricity costs, lock in stable energy prices, and invest in a more resilient future. This is more than a solar project. It's clean energy grown right here, for the people who live and work here.
Project Overview
Augustine Herman Solar is a 2.5 MW AC agrivoltaic community solar project in Chesapeake City, Cecil County, Maryland. Lightstar Renewables is developing the project on working farmland along Court House Point Road. It will produce clean, emission-free electricity and keep the land in agricultural production. Qualifying low- to moderate-income (LMI) households can save an additional 20% on their energy costs.
The project shows that renewable energy and agriculture can grow side by side. It will create 63 local construction jobs, support local businesses, and offer hands-on learning for students. Lightstar has also committed to restoring the land when the project ends.
About the Augustine Herman Community Solar Project
Cecil County has deep agricultural roots. Augustine Herman Solar is designed to honor that heritage while bringing affordable, local clean energy to the community.
The project sits on 23 leased acres of agriculturally zoned land in Chesapeake City. The solar installation itself will occupy about 17 acres. A local farmer will keep working the land inside the site layout, so the property stays productive while it generates power.
That's the idea behind our tagline. Augustine Herman Solar will help power Cecil County homes and businesses while the land keeps feeding the local community.
What Is Agrivoltaic Solar?
Agrivoltaics, also called dual-use solar, combines solar energy production with active farming on the same land. Instead of choosing between energy and agriculture, landowners and communities get both.
Augustine Herman Solar is one of Lightstar's agrivoltaic solar projects. Lightstar is a national leader in agrivoltaic development. In Cecil County, this approach helps:
Keep prime farmland in production for the life of the project
Support the farmer who works the land within the site
Protect the region's agricultural character while adding local clean energy
Return the land to full agricultural use after decommissioning
Community Solar in Maryland: How It Works
Community solar lets local residents and businesses subscribe to a nearby solar farm. Subscribers receive credits on their power bills, which lowers their electricity costs.
You don't need panels on your roof to take part. That makes community solar a great fit for:
Renters who can't install solar on their homes
Homeowners whose roofs aren't a good match for panels
Residents who want clean energy without owning or maintaining equipment
Savings for Cecil County Households
Augustine Herman Solar will offer an additional 20% savings on energy costs for qualifying low- to moderate-income households. These savings help make clean energy more affordable for the families who need relief the most.
Benefits for Cecil County
Community solar in Cecil County brings value well beyond the power it produces. Here's how Augustine Herman Solar will benefit the area.
The project is expected to create 63 construction jobs. Construction activity will also bring regional economic impact as workers and crews support local businesses.
Lightstar plans to request bids from local installers as the project moves forward. Workers will be paid Maryland prevailing wage. We are committed to working with safe and reliable construction partners on every project.
Clean, Reliable Energy
Augustine Herman Solar will provide reliable electricity with no local emissions. Every kilowatt-hour it produces is clean power generated right here in Cecil County.
Farmland Preservation
As an agrivoltaic project, Augustine Herman keeps prime farmland in production. The land remains a working part of the county's farm economy.
Education and Career Training
The project will offer research and educational opportunities for local schools and universities. Students can learn about clean energy, agriculture, and the careers that connect them.
Minimal Impact on Neighbors and County Services
After construction, very little traffic will come to the site. Activity will be limited to:
The farmer working within the site layout
Operations and maintenance visits as needed, usually one to two times per year
Solar projects don't need county water or sewer service, so Augustine Herman Solar will not add demand to those systems.
Project Design
Augustine Herman Solar is designed to produce energy efficiently while fitting into its agricultural setting.
The project will use single-axis trackers. These systems follow the sun across the sky throughout the day to capture more energy than fixed panels.
Built for Farming
The site design supports continued agricultural use:
Panel height: About 10.5 feet tall
Row spacing: 24 feet between rows, giving room for farm work within the site
Fencing: 8-foot agricultural-style fencing that suits the rural landscape
Site Selection
Two key factors determined the location of Augustine Herman Solar:
A willing landowner. The property owner chose to lease the site to Lightstar for development.
Viable interconnection. The site can connect to the local electric grid. Together, these factors made this parcel on Court House Point Road the right place for the project.
Environmental Review and Responsible Development
Lightstar studies every site carefully before moving a project forward. At Augustine Herman Solar, those studies found no environmental concerns.
Lightstar completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA). This study works like a background check on the property. It flags potential environmental issues or protected natural habitats using three methods:
A site walkthrough
A review of historical and regulatory records
Interviews with people familiar with the property
The results were positive. The assessment found no environmental risks on the property.
Wildlife and Endangered Species Consultations
The project team consulted with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Both consultations confirmed the project will have no impact on sensitive species.
Decommissioning and Land Restoration
Lightstar plans for the end of a project from the very beginning.
A decommissioning bond is provided up front to cover future decommissioning costs. The State of Maryland also has legal leverage, through the project's permit approvals, to require the owning entity to maintain or decommission the facility. Lightstar is expected to be that owner.
When the project reaches the end of its useful life, it will be dismantled according to the approved decommissioning plan. The land can then return to full agricultural use.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Lightstar, transparency and community collaboration are at the core of how we work. We welcome questions and concerns from local residents, landowners, and stakeholders. Below are answers to the most common questions about Old Telegraph Road. If you have more, we encourage you to reach out—we're always glad to talk.
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The landowner is willing to lease the site to Lightstar, and interconnection to the grid is viable there. Those two factors made this parcel the right location for the project.
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Yes. Lightstar completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, which included a site walkthrough, a review of historical and regulatory records, and interviews with people familiar with the property. The results were positive and found no environmental risks on the property.
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No. The project team consulted with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Both confirmed there would be no impact to sensitive species.
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Specific hiring decisions have not been made yet. Lightstar is committed to supporting the local economy and will request bids on installation work from local installers as the project moves forward. Workers will be paid Maryland prevailing wage, and Lightstar works only with safe and reliable construction partners.
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A decommissioning bond is provided up front to cover the cost of removal. The State of Maryland can also require the owning entity to maintain or decommission the facility under its permit approvals. At the end of the project's useful life, it will be dismantled according to the approved decommissioning plan, and the land can return to agricultural use
Resources
Community Meetings
CMBEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF COURT HOUSE POINT ROAD MD PV, LLC FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO CONSTRUCT A 2.5 MW SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC GENERATING FACILITY IN CECIL COUNTY, MARYLAND, CASE NO. 9891
NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE
A pre-hearing conference in the above-entitled matter is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., concerning Court House Point Road MD PV, LLC’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct a 2.5 MW solar photovoltaic generating facility in Cecil County, Maryland. The Project is anticipated to occupy approximately 20 acres of an approximately 28.7-acre property located at Court House Point Road, Chesapeake City, Maryland 21915, and identified as Tax Map 0048, Grid 0002, Parcel 0003, Parcel ID 02-006073 in Cecil County, Maryland.
At the pre-hearing conference, any preliminary matters and the establishment of a procedural schedule will be discussed. The pre-hearing conference will be held virtually and streamed live for viewing via the PULJ Division’s YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@mdpscpuljs327
Petitions to intervene must be filed on or before Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and may be filed electronically through the Commission’s website at https://psc.maryland.gov or sent by first-class mail to the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Andrew S. Johnston, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-6806, referencing Case No. 9891. ings
Meet the Team
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Liam Daley serves as a Development Manager at Lightstar, where he partners with farmers, landowners, and community leaders to build solar projects that work for everyone. He specializes in the logistics of community solar and Agrivoltaics (AgPV). Liam knows that your land matters. That is why he takes the time to listen to your needs and understand local priorities before a single panel goes on the ground, ensuring that we preserve and protect working farmland.
Liam uses his deep industry background to deliver real value to your community. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, along with a Certificate in Energy Economics and Policy, from the University of Rhode Island. He pairs this knowledge with hands-on experience from Eversource Energy, where he managed complex utility projects for over two years. Later, as a Market Strategy Analyst at Pine Gate Renewables, he helped expand clean energy across major markets. Today, he uses these practical tools to make the solar development process smooth, reliable, and transparent for you.
Liam respects the deep roots of rural communities and works hard to create solar installations that provide lasting financial and environmental rewards. He acts as a true partner in sustainable land use, ensuring every project makes a real difference for the neighbors it serves.
To discuss how community solar or AgPV can support your land and local goals, please reach out to connect with Liam and the Lightstar team today.
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Allen leads Lightstar’s development team with an unwavering commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. Since joining the solar industry in 2017, Allen has successfully developed over 500MW of community solar-scale projects across 13 states, as well as a 120MW grid-scale project. His expertise ensures that every project is designed to maximize efficiency while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
With a unique blend of environmental science and legal expertise, Allen brings a thoughtful and holistic approach to solar development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from Sewanee The University of the South, a Master of Science in Conservation Biology from Antioch University of New England, and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School. This multidisciplinary background enables him to navigate the complexities of solar development while focusing on minimizing environmental impacts and fostering sustainable energy transitions.
But it’s not just about individual achievements for Allen - he truly believes that collaboration is key to achieving our goals. That’s why he works closely with local governments, landowners, and stakeholders to ensure that our projects are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. By fostering strong relationships and finding common ground, we can create lasting positive impacts through solar energy.
At Lightstar, Allen’s leadership reflects our collective mission to create innovative, sustainable solar projects while building long-term partnerships with communities and landowners. He is passionate about ensuring that solar energy not only delivers clean power but also contributes positively to the land and communities we serve.
About Lightstar
Stewards of the Land, Backed by Institutional Capital
You’ve never met a solar company like us. We’re one of the few providers that own and operate all of our projects, and one of the first to offer landowners the opportunity to maintain the agricultural viability of their land through agrivoltaics.
Lightstar’s immediate parent company is Eagle Creek Renewable Energy. Founded in 2010 to acquire, enhance, and operate small hydroelectric power facilities, Eagle Creek’s affiliates currently own and operate 84 hydroelectric facilities representing 691 megawatts of capacity across the United States. Eagle Creek is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, one of the largest, most diverse power generators in North America.
Lightstar Gives Back
The Lightstar Gives Back program supports organizations and issues through donations, sponsorships and resources to help foster vibrant communities and sustainable economic development. We want to be involved in ways that will have a lasting, meaningful impact.
Developed and launched by the policy team at Lightstar, The Solar and Farming Association (SAFA) is a coalition of organizations representing the interests of the agrivoltaics (AgPV) industry including developers, agricultural producers, livestock producers, and affiliated organizations focused on expanding and integrating solar and sustained agricultural production on the same parcel of land.
SAFA’ s mission is to grow commercial crop and livestock agrivoltaics in the United States.
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