Constellation and CCBC Launch 5.1-MW Solar Power Project in Baltimore County

Strategic Insights -

Constellation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) have started construction of a 5.1-megawatt (DC) solar power project in Baltimore County. The system, spread across CCBC's three main campuses, is expected to generate enough electricity to meet approximately 27 percent of the college's electricity needs. As part of the project, Constellation will install 10 duplex electric vehicle charging stations. This initiative expands Constellation's role as the No. 1 solar energy producer in Maryland, with a total of 28.5 megawatts of solar projects completed in the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 5.1-megawatt (DC) solar power system will cover more than 1,400 parking spaces across CCBC's three main campuses.
  • The system is composed of approximately 16,500 photovoltaic panels and is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
  • Generating the same amount of electricity using nonrenewable sources would result in the release of approximately 4,482 tons of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent emissions from 944 passenger vehicles annually.
  • Constellation will own and operate the solar power systems, and CCBC will purchase the electricity generated under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
  • The project aligns with Constellation's commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives in Maryland and supporting CCBC's sustainability objectives.
  • Constellation currently owns and operates over 200 megawatts of solar installations for commercial and government customers throughout the United States.
  • The company has a total of 300 megawatts of distributed generation completed or under development for customers.

Statistics:

  • The 5.1-megawatt (DC) solar power system will cover more than 1,400 parking spaces across CCBC's three main campuses.
  • The system is composed of approximately 16,500 photovoltaic panels.
  • The system is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
  • Generating the same amount of electricity using nonrenewable sources would result in the release of approximately 4,482 tons of carbon dioxide.
  • 944 passenger vehicles annually would be equivalent to the emissions from this amount of carbon dioxide.
  • Constellation owns and operates over 200 megawatts of solar installations for commercial and government customers.

Sources:

  • Constellation, "Constellation and CCBC Launch 5.1-MW Solar Power Project in Baltimore County," energy news release, Energy Weekly News, June 16, 2015.
  • U.S. EPA data for the region.