Norrisville Road - Powering a Community with Clean Energy, and Preserving Farmland.

The project is sited here because the landowner is willing to lease the land for solar development and grid interconnection is viable at this location. Finding suitable sites for solar is like finding a needle in a haystack; it requires a careful balance of solar exposure, land availability, grid capacity, and regulatory factors. This parcel meets those demanding criteria.

Yes, the land is zoned Agricultural (AG). This project is designed as a dual-use agrivoltaics system, meaning it supports both energy generation and continued farming, which is consistent with the land's primary use.

Yes, all appropriate environmental studies have been completed, and no concerns were identified. The project will adhere to all state and local environmental standards.

The proposed solar project is not expected to threaten species or wildlife. Prior to development, environmental assessments are conducted to identify any sensitive habitats, protected species, or migration corridors within the project area. The site selection and design intentionally avoid ecologically sensitive areas and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

In addition, the project will incorporate best management practices during construction and operation to minimize habitat disturbance, prevent erosion, and protect nearby ecosystems. Solar facilities are low‑impact, quiet, and generate electricity without air emissions or water pollution, making them compatible with surrounding natural resources. 

While specific hiring decisions have not been finalized, we are committed to supporting the local economy. We will request bids from local installers and ensure all contracted electricians hold the required Maryland State licenses.

This proposed solar project is designed to deliver direct and meaningful cost savings to low‑ to moderate‑income (LMI) customers. By participating in the project, qualifying households will have access to locally generated, clean electricity without requiring any upfront cost or rooftop installation. Subscribers receive guaranteed bill credits on their utility bills that reduce overall electricity expenses, helping lower monthly energy burdens for families who are often most impacted by rising energy costs.

At the end of the project’s operational life, or if the facility is otherwise decommissioned, all solar equipment and associated infrastructure will be fully removed from the site. This includes solar modules, mounting structures, electrical wiring, inverters, transformers, access roads (unless requested to remain by the landowner), fencing, and any above‑ or below‑ground support equipment.

Decommissioning activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and under best management practices to minimize soil disturbance and prevent environmental impacts during removal. All materials will be reused, recycled, or disposed of at licensed facilities in compliance with waste and recycling requirements.

Following equipment removal, the land will be restored to pre‑project conditions suitable for full agricultural use. 

The decommissioning plan ensures that the solar project is temporary in nature and that the land remains a long‑term asset for farming, preserving its agricultural value for future generations.

The decommissioning bond is provided up-front to cover the future decommissioning responsibility. The Town will also have legal leverage to compel the owning entity (anticipated to be Lightstar) to maintain or decommission the facility under the permit approvals.  Once the project is at the end of its useful life, it will be dismantled per the decommissioning plan that the town agrees upon.