Hoyer Visits SMECO Solar Farm and Engineering/Operations Center
HUGHESVILLE, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) toured Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative’s (SMECO) solar farm and Engineering/Operations Center this afternoon. During his visit, he received a briefing on both facilities, and was joined by officials from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
“I was pleased to visit SMECO’s solar farm in Hughesville today,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Climate change is having a significant impact on Maryland families and businesses, and it’s critical that we invest in cleaner, more efficient energy generation over the coming years. SMECO’s solar farm moves our state in the right direction, helping to reduce pollution, spur innovation, and support job creation. I thank SMECO for the opportunity to tour the solar farm today, as well as USDA Rural Development for joining me to see this project firsthand.”
SMECO’s solar farm was built by SunEdison, a company based in Beltsville, Maryland, and has been in service since November of 2012. The $20 million project cost was offset, in part, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, in addition to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) low-interest loan funding. At maximum capacity, the output for the solar farm will power 600 homes and offset the pollution of 1,600 cars. SMECO is planning to build a second solar farm on Renner Road in Waldorf.