Columbia, Md. is completely renewable. By sourcing 75% of its energy from wind renewable credits and 25% from a 2MWdc Nixon Farm solar power plant built by SunEdison and BITHENERGY, Columbia, Md. is now offsetting 100% of its energy use from renewable sources.
Columbia, Md. is home to approximately 100,000 people, and is managed by the non-profit service corporation Columbia Association. The non-profit is purchasing the solar power for the community through a 20 year power purchase agreement with SunEdison. The 2MW solar farm is located outside of Columbia, and via virtual net metering credits the community can enjoy the benefits of solar without the need to locate the solar farm on-site. Nixon solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity for over 250 local homes.
"Columbia Association is proud to be a leader in clean energy," said Jeremy Scharfenberg, Columbia Association's energy manager. "The SunEdison solar installation is a key component of our renewable energy strategy, providing 25% of our power requirements. By supplementing Nixon Farm's solar energy with wind-based renewable energy certificates, we've been able to achieve our sustainability goals and reduce our carbon footprint by more than half."
SunEdison provided its high efficient solar panels and financed for the construction of the project, while solar developer BITHENERGY originated the project with Columbia Association and completed the permitting, site work, and pre-construction services for the project. SolAmerica was contracted as the engineering, procurement, and construction firm to build the solar power plant to SunEdison's specifications.