The County worked with SolarCity to install three solar systems on county-owned property.  The systems will be activated in the first quarter of 2017.  It is estimated the systems will produce approximately 35-40% of the County's annual power consumption.  The project is financed through a 20-year power purchase agreement with SolarCity.  At the end of the 20 year period the County has the option to purchase the array or SolarCity can decommission the system.  

 

 

In October 2016, two 50-meter anemometer towers on loan from the Maryland Energy Administration were erected in Garrett County.  These anemometer towers are collecting data for one year at two locations owned by the county.  The data from the anemometer towers will be used to assess the feasibility of a community wind energy project to help offset County facility electricity use.