Concept review: Chestertown Community Energy seeks approval for 2‑MW community solar at Wharton Road

Chestertown Community Energy Initiative LLC presented a concept site plan for a proposed 2‑megawatt community solar facility at 10263 Wharton Road in Chestertown. Staff described the 72.78‑acre parcel and proposed 15.98 acres of disturbance for the northern portion of the site with a 35‑foot perimeter landscape buffer to screen the fenced array.

Applicant representatives described the project as a community solar installation at the 2‑megawatt threshold, explained the decision to forgo on‑site irrigation in favor of a landscape maintenance and watering plan (portable tanks, watering bags and weekly monitoring), and said the site would interconnect to Delmarva Power using a limited number of utility poles. A glare assessment was submitted and staff reported no anticipated glare issues; the applicant said transformers and inverters would be sited to meet noise thresholds.

Staff recommended the applicant move to preliminary site‑plan review after submitting a landscape maintenance agreement, bond and decommissioning plan, and any comments from the Kent’s Soil and Water Conservation District on erosion and sediment control. Commissioners and members of the public asked about county revenue, tax implications, community sign‑up for community solar credits, and practical steps for elderly customers to sign up through Delmarva. The applicant and a company representative described expected personal property taxes and community benefit programs, and said community solar customers may receive discounts handled through Delmarva billing.