CPV Backbone Solar
Project Quick Facts
Location: Garrett County, Maryland
Status: Under Construction
System Information: Single-Axis Trackers, 500+ Watt Solar Modules
Total Installed Capacity: 160 MWac
Est. Commercial Operation: Q2 2025
+200
Construction Jobs
$200 Million
Investment
45,000
Equivalent Cars off the Road
Project Overview
CPV Backbone Solar (CPV Backbone) is located on a recently decommissioned coal mining site and is the largest solar project in construction in western Maryland.
The project’s 160-megawatt (MWac) capacity will power more than 30,000 homes—the entirety of Garrett County and portions of surrounding counties. CPV Backbone will avoid over 200,000 tons of CO2 per year by displacing older less efficient generation while adding diversity to the region’s energy mix.
CPV Backbone will employ 200 workers during construction and will bring significant tax benefits to Garrett County.
The initial phase of Backbone Solar will be followed by the Backbone Solar Part 2 which will bring the installed capacity up to 175 MWac.
Community Benefits
- Major private infrastructure investment of $200 million.
- Significant new local tax base with opportunity to shape revenue to provide long-term benefit to Garrett County.
- Local businesses will benefit from increased commerce from the project and workers during construction.
- Creates over 200 jobs created during the construction phase (14-18 months.) Local firms and individuals will be engaged for engineering, surveying, site preparation, and construction. Inspection and maintenance during operation will also create jobs locally.
- Solar power helps stabilize electricity prices year-round, particularly during costly summer months.
Environmental Benefits
- Repurposes a former coal strip mine, transforming a site with few alternative uses into a productive asset, while also contributing to the diversification of Garrett County’s energy sources.
- Expands renewable resources, sustains local environmental quality, and helps combat climate change.
- CPV Backbone Solar is a proud supporter of the Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, having committed $100,000 over four years to help finance projects and initiatives to preserve and protect the Deep Creek Watershed.
Project Resources
