Governor O’Malley Celebrates Groundbreaking on Largest Solar Power Project in Maryland

Joined by local elected officials and representatives from First Solar and FirstEnergy, Gov. Martin O’Malley broke ground on a new, 160 acre solar farm project located on the grounds of the Maryland Correctional Institution (MCI) in Hagerstown. Once built, the Maryland Solar project will produce 20 megawatts of power – enough clean energy to power approximately 2,700 Maryland homes, displacing approximately 23,000 metric tons of CO2 annually – the equivalent of taking 4,400 cars off the road each year. The project will create 125 construction jobs and at least three full time jobs will be created for the lifetime of the panels on the site.

“Job creation is a choice – and when we choose to generate cleaner, greener energy here in Maryland we create Maryland jobs,” said Gov. O’Malley. “Innovative partnerships with companies like First Solar and FirstEnergy allow us to continue our progress in advancing solar energy and creating jobs in Maryland. Over the last few years, we’ve helped put 2,000 men and women to work in solar sector jobs and we estimate that over the next six years, we’ll put another 10,000 Marylanders to work in the industry as we work towards our goal of increasing in-state renewable generation by 20%.”

First Solar, the world’s premier provider of fully integrated solar solutions, has a 100 percent stake in the Maryland Solar project. “First Solar is pleased to continue its work in Maryland to help the state provide clean, affordable, renewable energy to its citizens,” said Maja Wessels, First Solar executive vice president for global public affairs. “We are excited to break ground on Maryland Solar, which is expected to create 125 construction jobs and bring significant economic benefits to Washington County.”

“We are proud to play a key role in the development of renewable energy in Maryland and to help the state meet its renewable energy goals,” said Anthony J. Alexander, FirstEnergy president and CEO. “The Maryland Solar project delivers on our solar commitment to the state, and further strengthens our position as one of the region’s leading renewable energy suppliers.”