Landowner details solar farm benefits
Editor,
The story of community solar in Worcester County is that it benefits our community.
As a landowner in Worcester County, the recent story “MACo officials present overview of solar projects on Worcester County ag land” by Bethany Hooper raises several issues that warrant additional local perspective.
My property is currently under development by Chaberton Energy as a host for a 4 Megawatt (MW) community solar project. Chaberton Energy is a Maryland-based developer who has demonstrated their good neighbor commitment to support local communities throughout Maryland. Upon review of the article, it may not be apparent that this solar project went through a straightforward application with unanimous support from the county’s appointed planning board and the technical review committees who both enthusiastically recommended approval.
Originally, the county commissioners expressed their opposition to the project supported by the appointed members of their advisory committees. However, it is important to note that after receiving extensive information and commitments on the project during the application process, the commissioners dropped their opposition in a letter to rescind their concerns addressed to the state on May 29, 2024. No additional nor other recommendations related to this project were noted by the commissioners. Several public hearings indicate no public concerns were raised at any state or county level throughout this application process. The commissioners also received clarity on how the solar equipment would be disposed of and the agricultural land restored at the end of the 30-year lease. The project will lower the costs of electricity for so many in the community.
While I respect the right of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to advocate for its constituents, it’s also important that we all work from the same set of facts when making these important decisions.
The story said MaCo spoke at the invitation of the Worcester County Commissioners about “utility scale solar systems and the pressures they place on the county’s agricultural land.”
The project planned for my land is “community solar.” When contrasted with “utility scale projects,” this 4MW community solar application, and many others like it on Delmarva, are limited to 5MW in size. This project will cover only one-quarter of my 103-acre property.
The remaining acreage will continue to be utilized and be preserved for agricultural purposes. It is my view that as the landowner, I should be able to decide how I want to use my own land once there has been adequate state and county review for a project that offers clean, affordable and sustainable supplemental energy to my neighbors.
The power generated from this project will supplement the ongoing need for sustainable energy to the commissioners’ electorate and local residents. In fact, at least 40% of the benefits from the project will go to our neighbors at low- to moderate-income levels. Projected energy bills for project subscribers will be on average 15% lower than their current utility bills. To be clear, this project will provide clean energy for our community and, yes, it will lead to cheaper, healthier, more economically viable energy production. The sun, after all, costs nothing.
The developers will be planting local pollinators and grasses that will prevent soil erosion, add to bird, butterfly and bee populations, and return the land to its current use or same condition should the contract not be renewed. In its long-term pledge to good neighbor practices, Chaberton remains committed to support their current efforts and continued contributions to local organizations, including Diakonia, which provides food and shelter for people in our community who do not have homes.
In closing, I believe it is the sign of healthy discourse that county and other stakeholders had an opportunity to thoroughly vet and weigh-in on this project. I am pleased that stakeholders kept an open mind while listening to the merits of this “community solar” project. As a fourth-generation owner of my farm and a former elected officer for the state of Maine for two three-year terms, I can appreciate any concerns and look forward to assisting Chaberton Energy in providing supplemental clean energy at a reduced cost to my neighbors.
Charles L. Waite III
Snow Hill