Walmart invests in solar energy projects in Maryland

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National renewable energy provider Pivot Energy announced big-box retailer Walmart is investing in 19 solar projects under development in Maryland and four other states, including 15 community solar projects.

The strategic tax equity investment will drive the construction, operation and maintenance of a diverse solar project portfolio across Maryland, Illinois, Colorado, Delaware and California.

The tax equity investment from Walmart will facilitate the construction of 72 megawatts (MWdc) of community solar projects. Collectively, these projects will increase renewable energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Notably, 41 MWdc of projects in Colorado are specifically designed to serve low and moderate-income homes, impactfully reducing energy burdens for vulnerable communities. The community solar projects are expected to be constructed in 2024 and 2025 and will support an estimated 7,000+ households’ access to community solar subscriptions with more than $6 million in potential annual savings, in addition to local businesses and entities.

Pivot Energy will also be working with landowners to maximize both solar energy production and agricultural production on several of the community solar projects, known as agrivoltaics. At these sites, drip irrigation will be installed which will enable crop produce in between the rows of the solar array, in addition to sheep grazing, habitat enhancement and other responsible land stewardship practices.