The Lime Kiln community solar project was inaugurated on July 8, 2025, in Fulton, Howard County, Maryland. With a capacity of 3.2 MW, it was developed by Chaberton Energy, a Maryland-based company, and is managed by Pivot Energy, a national renewable energy provider based in Colorado. This project aims to provide accessible renewable energy to the local community while addressing the challenges of the energy transition.
Lime Kiln benefits from the Maryland Community Solar program, which allows local residents and businesses to access solar energy at a reduced price. Subscribers to the project will receive an average annual savings of 10% on their electricity bills. Additionally, the project contributes to the achievement of Maryland’s ambitious goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2035.
Progress in Maryland’s energy transition
The inauguration event gathered local officials, community members, and project partners. The project is fully subscribed, a first in the region. According to Stefano Ratti, founder and CEO of Chaberton Energy, “This project helps alleviate pressure on the power grid while providing savings on energy bills for families.” The Lime Kiln project also represents an effort to support local biodiversity. In addition to energy production, initiatives such as agrivoltaics have been implemented, with native plants like milkweed to promote pollination.
Positive local and ecological impact
In terms of ecological impact, the Lime Kiln project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking around 800 gasoline-powered cars off the road. The project is developed on a 57-acre tract of land, with 15 acres dedicated to solar energy production. This initiative also supports local wildlife through the planting of wildflowers that attract insects and pollinators, a beneficial addition to local biodiversity.
Chaberton Energy currently manages over 200 MW of community solar projects in Maryland, while Pivot Energy and Chaberton collaborate on approximately 40 MW of projects across the country. Lime Kiln is part of a series of solar projects in the region, with another project, Greyrock, set to start this summer in Wicomico County.
