The Green Rd Community Solar Project is a 2.75 MW-AC agrivoltaic solar energy system being developed by Lightstar Renewables. Located at 14503 Green Rd in Baldwin, MD, this project is designed to generate clean, renewable energy for the local community while continuing to support agricultural activity on the same land.

Community solar allows local residents and businesses to benefit from clean energy without installing solar panels on their own property. You can subscribe to a share of the energy produced by the solar project and receive credits on your electricity bill, helping you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

The project is being developed by MD Solar 6000, LLC, a subsidiary of Lightstar Renewables. Lightstar is a solar developer with deep experience in creating community-focused renewable energy projects. As a long-term owner and operator, Lightstar is committed to ensuring our projects benefit the land, the community, and the environment for decades.

Solar panels are primarily made of glass, aluminum, copper and other common materials. Solar projects use steel racks to position panels, electric cabling and a small number of inverters to deliver power to the grid. All this equipment is safe and contains the same materials found in household appliances.   

Agrivoltaics is an innovative approach that combines solar energy production with agriculture on the same piece of land. The solar panels are installed in a way that allows farming, such as growing crops or grazing animals, to continue underneath and around them. This dual-use model ensures the land remains productive for both clean energy and agriculture.

No. A central goal of this project is to keep the land in active agricultural use. The agrivoltaics design will support ongoing farming operations, allowing the property to generate meaningful revenue as a farm while also producing clean energy. This approach preserves Baltimore County's rural character and farming heritage.

Lightstar is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. We have conducted extensive environmental and wetland studies to ensure the project layout completely avoids sensitive natural features. We have received confirmation from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that our design has no negative impact.

City of Detroit is in support of state policy amendments that enables community solar for Detroit residents to lower their energy bills . 

Yes, all required environmental fieldwork has been completed. Lightstar has also completed consultations with the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), none of which identified any concerns with the project.

The Green Rd Community Solar Project offers several benefits, including:

• Providing access to affordable, clean energy for local residents.

• Preserving agricultural land and supporting the local farming economy.

• Contributing to Maryland's renewable energy goals and a healthier environment.

• Generating local economic activity and demonstrating sustainable land use.

The MI Solar For All initiative will facilitate the development of community solar projects in low-income areas, leading to reduced carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and the promotion of quality jobs, community wealth-building, energy resilience, and equitable workforce development. Learn more: Here

We anticipate submitting our application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the Maryland Public Service Commission in late October or early November 2025. Once the application is accepted, more detailed project documents will be available for public review.

Based in Boston, Lightstar is an independent power producer (IPP) with a visionary approach to the development, construction, and ownership of community solar energy systems. Established in 2019, Lightstar has been at the forefront of the clean energy transition, championing solar solutions that benefit people, places, and our planet as a long-term owner and operator of community solar farms across the US. With a pipeline of over 1200 Megawatts (MWs) and growing, Lightstar’s mission is to build solar for the land and community, stewarding the land and integrating local ecology and agriculture with every project. The team at Lighstar is committed to leading the global transition to sustainable energy with projects that integrate seamlessly with local environments and benefit communities. 

More here.

For more information on subscribing to community solar or to follow project updates, please visit the official project page on the Public Service Commission website once available.