The Fritz Family Farms partnered with Standard Solar on a 2.7MW solar array on 12 acres of their 400-acre grain, hay and cattle farm.
Standard Solar, together with a joint venture comprising Earth and Air Technologies, and Ogos Energy designed and installed the one-axis solar tracking system optimized for Maryland’s Virtual Aggregate Net Energy Metering (ANEM) program, supported by the 2019 Clean Energy Jobs Act of Maryland.
“This project provides economic benefit to the landowner, operator and community while harnessing clean renewable energy. We have been using our own solar energy in our operation since 2014 and felt this was an excellent opportunity to diversify our income.”
Jeffrey Fritz, Fritz Family Farms.
Standard Solar has financed and will own and operate the 7.336-panel high-efficiency engineered project, which is expected to produce around 4.000 MWh per year. WSSC Water, will purchase the power, contributing to its sustainability goals and adding value for their Maryland customers.
“This solar project is a win-win scenario for all—it is transforming a portion of low yield land into 20-year predictable revenue for a family-run farm while providing affordable, reliable power to the region’s public water authority. It also highlights how smart solar project siting practices can benefit agriculture, complement farm operations and land use.”
ohn Finnerty, director of business development, Standard Solar.
“Energy management is critical to WSSC Water. Investing in solar energy pays dividends both economically and environmentally as it lowers our dependence on carbon-based fuels.”
Robert Taylor, energy manager WSSC Water.
