Solar Power World
By Kelly Pickerel | December 22, 2025
The 160-MW CPV Backbone Solar project is now online in Garrett County. The project, developed by Competitive Power Ventures affiliate CPV Renewable Power, is sited on a reclaimed, decommissioned coal mine in Maryland.
“CPV Backbone Solar exemplifies our mission to support a responsible energy transition,” said Sherman Knight, CEO of CPV. “By transforming exhausted coal mine land into a productive solar facility, we’re demonstrating how brownfield redevelopment, innovative engineering, and strategic partnerships can meet complex project challenges and deliver new power generation in Maryland.”
CPV Backbone Solar was constructed by EPC Vanguard Energy Partners.
“We appreciate the continued partnership with CPV and the opportunity to bring the CPV Backbone Solar project to completion. This was a complex site, and our teams stayed focused, resilient, and committed from start to finish to safely deliver a high-quality project,” said Geoffrey Fairclough, President of Vanguard Energy Partners.
CPV Backbone Solar began development in 2020. Throughout the process, CPV has worked to build strong, lasting relationships with local stakeholders to make a positive impact in Garrett County. The project also includes investments to enhance community and environmental stewardship, including a $100,000 contribution over a four-year period to the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation to help strengthen long-term vitality of the region’s natural resource.
News item from CPV
Kelly Pickerel has more than 15 years of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World.

Bob Jackman says
December 23, 2025 at 10:37 am
What’s possible conversion of other States exhausted flat lands coal mines into sizeable Solar farm? Many states have such coal delelted flat lands!
Bob Jackman Independent Geologist – Tulsa
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