Maryland Blue Crab Solar & Storage is a 100 megawatt (MW) solar project with a 25 megawatt (MW) co-located battery energy storage system (BESS) currently under development in Dorchester County, Maryland.
Located approximately 0.5 miles southwest of the town of East New Market and immediately north of the community of Linkwood, Maryland, MD Blue Crab will be situated on approximately 555 fenced-in acres within an 818-acre tract of leased agricultural land. This project will connect to the Delmarva Power & Light grid south of Route 50, helping to stabilize the grid during periods of high demand.
Choptank Solar & Storage, LLC is now Maryland Blue Crab Solar & Storage, LLC.
Project Description
Site Location
In Dorchester County, solar projects need to follow specific guidelines to ensure they fit within the community and minimize impacts to their surroundings. Solar panels at MD Blue Crab will be set back at least 75 feet from property lines, will fully avoid sensitive wetlands, forests, and, archaeological features, and will be enclosed with perimeter fencing. We are implementing a 50-foot wide vegetation screen using native plants around the project's perimeter. Additionally, over 500 acres of pollinator habitat will be created using a native pollinator seed mix for site stabilization. These guidelines help balance the growth of renewable energy with local aesthetics, environmental preservation, and site safety.
This 100 MW solar facility will produce enough clean energy to power over 16,000 Maryland homes. During construction, MD Blue Crab is projected to create 140 jobs. Five permanent operations jobs will be directly created, along with another two indirect and induced jobs, during the life of the facility, which is anticipated to be 40 years.
During its 40 years of operation, it is projected that MD Blue Crab will generate $39.5 million in revenue for Dorchester County, money that can go towards education, healthcare, first responders, and infrastructure improvements.
This project is currently in the design and permitting stages. We will keep the Maryland Blue Crab Solar & Storage website updated with the latest developments and information on upcoming public meetings as the project progresses.
MD Blue Crab is anticipated to be commercially operational by the end of 2028.
Status: In development
Facts and Figures
00
MW
solar photovoltaic facility
Panels sited on
00
fenced-in acres
of agricultural land
Over
00
homes powered
$
00
million
in County revenue generated over the life of the project
00
Full-time jobs during construction
$
00
Million
in annual public health savings due to reduced pollution
Project Benefits
Supporting Communities
Projects like Maryland Blue Crab Solar & Storage can help strengthen and support local communities. Generating millions of dollars in direct County revenue, the County will have additional funds that can go to essential services for residents: to fire departments and first responders, investments in schools, and improvements to parks and roads. It’s a smart, low-impact development that will benefit both local services and energy stability.
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Supporting Communities
Supporting Farmers & Landowners
Farmers across the country are increasingly using solar power to enhance their land use. Maryland Blue Crab Solar & Storage is committed to working closely with local landowners to ensure that their land remains productive and protected. Over its 40-year operational lifespan, MD Blue Crab is expected to bring substantial fiscal benefits to the County, complementing the valuable contributions of the property’s current agricultural use. By integrating solar technology with existing land use, we aim to support local agriculture and ensure that landowners who choose to host this technology have the opportunity to improve their operations, save for retirement, and support local businesses. This added flexibility not only helps farmers plan for the future, but also supports the local economy, benefitting the community at-large.
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Supporting Farmers & Landowners
Supporting Rural Economies
MD Blue Crab will create 140 jobs during construction, providing a significant boost to one of the county’s largest and fastest-growing industries—construction. Once the facility is up and running, it will create 5 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the solar site, ensuring long-term benefits to the local labor force. The project will also prioritize using locally sourced materials and supplies, keeping more economic activity within the community. During construction, millions of dollars will flow into the local economy, creating a substantial one-time economic boost of $2.4 million in wages and benefits, as well as $13.9 million in economic output to Dorchester County (in 2024 dollars). Over the project’s lifespan, it will continue to provide annual economic benefits, in addition to the millions in revenue that will be paid directly to the county.
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Supporting Rural Economies
Stronger Electric Grid
Solar energy is becoming one of the most affordable and dependable sources of electricity, helping to protect consumers from the volatility and rising costs of traditional energy sources. By incorporating solar into the grid, energy costs remain more predictable and stable, offering households and local businesses reliable electricity without the financial burden of unpredictable price hikes. Solar projects would also enhance the reliability of Maryland’s electric grid by diversifying energy sources, making it more resilient and reducing the risk of power outages.
Co-locating battery storage energy systems (BESS) with solar plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability and stability of the electrical grid. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times or outages, BESS help balance supply and demand. This ensures a consistent and reliable power supply, reducing the risk of blackouts and improving overall grid efficiency. In essence, BESS act as a buffer, providing the grid with the flexibility needed to handle fluctuations and maintain steady operation.
Protecting the Environment and the Community
MD Blue Crab is designed to work in harmony with existing agricultural practices, ensuring that soil health is maintained and wildlife is protected. The project site represents just 0.5% of the county’s agricultural area, and surrounds an existing rendering plant. At the end of its operational life, the facility will be decommissioned, with all equipment removed and the land restored to its original agricultural use.
The solar facility will be virtually silent outside the fence line, with minimal glare affecting neighbors and nearby roadways due to the vegetative buffer. Unlike traditional power plants, it will not use water to generate electricity, contributing to significant water conservation.
In addition to reducing air pollution and contamination of water and soil, solar energy helps lower rates of health issues such as asthma and heart conditions. The cleaner air also means healthier living environments and reduced healthcare costs.
The facility will use silicon-based PV panels, made from safe, well-tested materials commonly used in everyday products. Millions of families across the U.S. already use these panels on their homes with confidence.
RWE’s advanced remote operations center will monitor the panels around the clock, every day of the year, while a dedicated onsite team will be available to address any emergencies that may arise.
At the end of MD Blue Crab’s useful life, equipment will be removed and the land can be restored to its original uses.