Increase community solar access in Montgomery County

Help more people benefit from solar energy. Urge the Montgomery County Council to open more space for community solar projects.

The Montgomery County Council will vote this month on allowing up to 1,800 acres of community solar projects in the Agricultural Reserve. This will help the county contribute to Maryland’s renewable energy goals. It would let land-owning farmers support their operations with solar. This provides them with long-term, predictable revenue.

The council has to approve new zoning regulations first. These are contained in Zoning Text Amendment 20-01 (ZTA 20-01).

The rules in ZTA 20-01 will ensure community solar is built and require agricultural benefits be included in each project.

These benefits include:

  • pollinator-friendly habitat,
  • grazing farm animals, or
  • co-located crop production.

The County Council may consider two last minute amendments. These amendments would add overly burdensome restrictions on community solar in a significant part of Montgomery County.

Contact your Council Members using the form at the right. Tell them to support Zoning Text Amendment 20-01 (ZTA 20-01) in its current form.

Logo for Solar United Neighbors Action. It includes a drawing of the Capitol building surrounded by sun rays
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