A few passing clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable..
A few passing clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: May 15, 2026 @ 8:15 pm
Representatives of Competitive Power Ventures and Harrison Street Asset Management join to cut the ribbon on the new Backbone Solar project located off Route 135 near Swanton, Maryland.
The new Backbone Solar Farm is located on the former site of a coal strip mine in Garrett County, Maryland.
Representatives of Competitive Power Ventures and Harrison Street Asset Management join to cut the ribbon on the new Backbone Solar project located off Route 135 near Swanton, Maryland.
The new Backbone Solar Farm is located on the former site of a coal strip mine in Garrett County, Maryland.
SWANTON, Md. — Competitive Power Ventures and its strategic investment partner Harrison Street Asset Management recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the CPV Backbone Solar project, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued investment in reliable, domestic energy infrastructure, and economic development.
CPV Backbone Solar is the largest utility-scale solar project in Maryland and is situated on a former coal mining site along Sharpless Mine Road near Swanton. The 160-megawatt solar project adds new generation to the grid while supporting the state’s clean energy target of 50% renewable generation by 2030.
The ceremony brought together local elected officials and community leaders to commemorate the completion of the solar facility and recognize the workers and organizations that helped bring the project to life.
CPV Backbone Solar will help meet the growing regional energy demand while supporting local tax revenues. During construction, the project supported hundreds of jobs and created opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and skilled trades workers.
“Today represents more than the completion of an energy project. It represents investment in this community, in domestic energy production, and in our shared future,” said Sherman Knight, CEO of CPV. “At a time when there is a need and call for affordable energy solutions, CPV Backbone Solar is able to provide clean, low-cost power to the region.”
“We’re demonstrating how former coal mining land can be repurposed into a valuable new source of generation for Maryland,” said Mike Resca, EVP of CPV Renewable Power. “This project was made possible through key community and industry partners. By leveraging innovative engineering solutions and building strong strategic partnerships, even the most complex development challenges can be effectively overcome.”
“CPV Backbone Solar demonstrates how infrastructure investments can generate meaningful economic and community benefits,” said Carolyn Arida, Partner – Infrastructure at Harrison Street Asset Management.
“The project reflects growing demand for renewable energy, while transforming a former coal site into a long-term asset for local communities and the broader power grid. It also reinforces our strong partnership with CPV and our shared commitment to expanding renewable generation infrastructure.”
The project reflects CPV’s long-standing commitment to working collaboratively with local stakeholders throughout the development and construction process. From early outreach efforts through construction completion, CPV engaged with community leaders, residents, and local organizations to ensure the project was developed responsibly and transparently.
“Projects like CPV Backbone Solar help strengthen local economies by creating jobs, generating new tax revenue, and supporting long-term investment in our region,” said Garrett County board chairman Paul Edwards. “We appreciate CPV’s continued partnership and commitment to being an active community partner throughout this process.”
A planned second phase is currently under construction and is projected to expand the facility’s total installed capacity to 175 MW.
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