CPV Backbone Solar
Project Quick Facts
Location: Garrett County, Maryland
System Information: 500+ Watt Solar Modules
Total Installed Capacity: 160 MWac
In Operation Since: Q4 2025
30,000
Homes Powered
$300 Million
Investment
45,000
Equivalent Cars off the Road
Project Overview
Located in Garrett County, Maryland, CPV Backbone Solar sits on a reclaimed, decommissioned coal mine repurposed to bring the site back into productive use. At the time CPV Backbone Solar entered operations in December 2025, it was the largest solar project in the state.
The project’s 160-megawatt (MWac) capacity will produce enough energy to power 30,000 homes. CPV Backbone helps avoid over 200,000 tons of CO2 per year by displacing older less efficient generation while adding diversity to the region’s energy mix.
A planned second phase is under construction, Backbone Solar Part 2, and is projected to expand the facility’s total installed capacity to 175 MWac by 2027.
Community Benefits
- Major private infrastructure investment of over $300 million.
- Significant new local tax base with opportunity to shape revenue to provide long-term benefit to Garrett County.
- Local businesses benefited from increased commerce from the project and workers during construction.
- Created over 200 jobs created during the construction phase (14-18 months.) Local firms and individuals were engaged for engineering, surveying, site preparation, and construction. Inspection and maintenance during operation also create jobs locally.
- Solar power helps stabilize electricity prices year-round, particularly during costly summer months.
Environmental Benefits
- Repurposed 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
