CI Renewables to install 1.4-MW solar portfolio for University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has signed a PPA with CI Renewables, an independent developer and owner of large scale commercial and industrial solar power facilities, for the creation of a solar power project that will move the university further toward its goal of a 100% carbon-neutral campus by 2045.

CI will design, finance, install, own and operate net-metered solar PV systems on the top level of UMB’s Penn Street Garage and Pearl Garage.

“We’re pleased to announce our first on-site renewable energy installations,” said UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. “While UMB has supported PPAs for years, these new solar power systems on two of our garages will be a visible sign of our commitment to our core values of well-being and sustainability.”

The solar energy systems will be on UMB-owned property, and UMB will purchase all electricity produced at the sites, paying a per-kilowatt hour rate for the electricity generated by the systems, just as it would to any other energy supplier.

In addition to the PPA with CI, UMB participates in three PPAs through the University System of Maryland: Pinnacle through US Windforce, St. Mary’s Solar though Constellation and Roth Rock Phase II through Synergics-SBR. These PPAs help UMB meet the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standards and the requirements under the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. Since 2022, the University has also purchased Green-e Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to cover the remaining portion of its electricity usage, bringing it to 100% renewable electricity.

News item from the University of Maryland, Baltimore