Celebration to take place April 25, 2018, at 10 a.m. at South Germantown Recreational Park

Silver Spring, MD –  Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, announces the completion of two solar fields that will offset more than 2,500 tons of greenhouse gases annually, the equivalent of the amount of electricity used to power nearly 400 average American homes in a typical year.

The solar arrays, located at South Germantown Recreational Park and Rock Creek Regional Park, consist of more than 7,000 ground mounted solar panels.  The solar energy produced will support the energy needs of more than 35 Montgomery Parks sites, lowering utility bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also contributing to smart, clean, and resilient energy regionwide.  

Live data collection began in March, and the solar fields have already produced measurements equivalent to the following benefits:

  • 239 barrels of oil have been eliminated
  • 569,000 pounds of carbon have been offset

The solar fields are part of Montgomery Parks’ commitment to sustainability and are a major step forward in reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels for energy. The department’s sustainability program aims to help preserve natural and economic resources, reduce consumption and waste, reduce environmental footprint, promote green practices in facilities and programs, and support the wellness of employees and the wider community.

Montgomery Parks will “flip the ceremonial switch” on April 25, 2018, at 10 a.m. at South Germantown Recreational Park.

The solar fields are being managed through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Standard Solar Inc., which will own, operate and maintain the systems. The two fields were built simultaneously using local contractors and labor, creating jobs in Montgomery County.   

About Standard Solar                                                                                                                   

Standard Solar, Inc. is a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide. Dedicated to making Distributed Generation (DG) solar more accessible to businesses, institutions, governments and utilities, the company is forging the path for clean, renewable energy development through turnkey solutions. With more than 100 megawatts installed, financed or maintained, Standard Solar is one of the most trusted and respected solar companies. Owned by Gaz Métro, a leading energy provider with more than US$5.8 billion in assets, Standard Solar operates nationally and is headquartered in Rockville, Md. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com

About The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks manages more than 36,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 421 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. Find out more about Montgomery Parks on our website www.MontgomeryParks.org. Follow us @MontgomeryParks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Accessibility
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the involvement and participation of all individuals in the community, including those with disabilities, in the planning and review processes.  In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities.  M‑NCPPC works to make its facilities and materials accessible and to hold public meetings in locations that are, likewise, accessible. M‑NCPPC will generally provide, upon request, appropriate aids and services and make reasonable modifications to policies and programs for qualified persons with disabilities (e.g., large print materials, listening devices, sign language interpretation, etc.).  For assistance with such requests, please contact the M-NCPPC Montgomery County Commissioners’ Office, at least a week in advance, at (301) 495-4605 or at mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org .  Maryland residents can also use the free Maryland Relay Service for assistance with calls to or from hearing or speech-impaired persons; for information, go to www.mdrelay.org/ or call (866) 269-9006. Residents may also call the TTY number, (301) 495-1331, for assistance.