Competitive Power Ventures’ affiliate, CPV Renewable Power, along with its strategic investment partner Harrison Street Asset Management, has announced the start of commercial operations at CPV Backbone Solar, a 160-megawatt solar facility in Garrett County, Maryland. At the same time, CPV also completed its third solar tax equity financing deal with U.S. Bank. Marathon Capital served as the advisor, highlighting the project’s strong structure and CPV’s continued leadership in large-scale renewable development.
CPV Backbone Solar is built on land that was once a coal mine but has since been reclaimed and repurposed. The project includes 324,000 solar panels capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes. By converting a former industrial site into a productive clean energy facility, the project demonstrates how brownfield redevelopment can support both environmental and economic goals.
Sherman Knight, CEO of CPV, described the project as an example of responsible energy transition. He noted that turning an exhausted coal site into a modern solar plant shows how engineering innovation and strong partnerships can overcome site challenges and deliver new clean power for Maryland. Mike Resca, Executive Vice President of CPV Renewable Power, added that Garrett County offered the right conditions for the project and that CPV is committed to supporting communities where it can make a meaningful impact. He highlighted that the project will contribute significant tax revenue to the county.
Carolyn Arida, Senior Managing Director of Infrastructure at Harrison Street Asset Management, said the project demonstrates how utility-scale renewable infrastructure can meet rising electricity demand. She expressed confidence in CPV as a long-term partner as Harrison Street continues to expand its renewable project portfolio nationwide.
The project was constructed by Vanguard Energy Partners, a well-known solar engineering, procurement, and construction firm. Geoffrey Fairclough, President of Vanguard, noted that despite the site’s complexity, the teams worked with focus and resilience to deliver a high-quality facility safely and efficiently.
Local leaders have also welcomed the project. Senator Michael McKay called the project an important step for economic development and job creation in Maryland. Delegate Jim Hinebaugh, Jr. highlighted that it brings new power to the grid while returning previously mined land to productive use and boosting the local tax base. Paul Edwards, Chairman of the Garrett County Board, said the project supports both environmental preservation and local economic value, benefitting residents and the region.
CPV Backbone Solar began development in 2020, with CPV working closely with community stakeholders throughout the process. As part of its commitment to local and environmental stewardship, the company is contributing $100,000 over four years to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation to support long-term conservation efforts. Bob Hoffmann, President of the Foundation, expressed appreciation for CPV’s support and commitment to protecting the area’s natural resources.
The project now joins CPV’s broader renewable energy portfolio, which includes four operating wind and solar facilities and a development pipeline of 4.8 GW. Construction has already begun on a planned second phase of the Backbone project, which is expected to increase the site’s capacity to 175 MW once completed.
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