Powering Critical Infrastructure

The transition to clean energy relies heavily on infrastructure that not only generates power but also fortifies the grid against peak demand. A prime example of this innovation is Standard Solar’s 17.5-MW Kieffer Funk project in Washington County. Located in Smithsburg, MD, this facility delivers dependable renewable power to a local water and wastewater utility while pushing Maryland closer to its clean energy goals.

Built as a virtual power plant (VPP), it produces more than 26,000 MWh a year. By acting as a VPP, the Kieffer Funk installation doesn’t just passively generate electricity; it offers dispatchable, responsive capacity that helps stabilize the local grid during high-demand periods. This is particularly crucial for water and wastewater operations, which inherently require energy-intensive, non-stop processing. Integrating a virtual power plant ensures operational resilience while significantly offsetting industrial process loads.

A Model For Long-Term Ownership

Standard Solar brought this project to life by utilizing our in-house funding and long-term asset ownership model. By funding, owning, and maintaining the Kieffer Funk array, we ensure the system operates at peak infrastructure-grade performance for decades. This project supports statewide solar growth and deepens Standard Solar’s footprint in Maryland, aligning with the state’s ambitious Renewable Portfolio Standard to reach 50% clean electricity by 2030.

Project Highlights

  • Size: 17.5 MW VPP
  • Location: Smithsburg, MD
  • Annual Production: 26,000 MWh

Environmental Impact

The clean energy generated by the Kieffer Funk Virtual Power Plant provides massive environmental benefits. It is equal to avoiding the greenhouse gas emissions from a gasoline-powered passenger vehicle being driven 44,483,602 miles or the CO2 emissions from charging 1,412,240,939 smartphones in one year. Through projects like this, Standard Solar is demonstrating that distributed energy resources can deliver scale, sustainability, and grid reliability simultaneously.