Howard County farm becomes net zero energy facility

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The Community Ecology Institute’s Freetown Farm, a community-based environmental education center in Columbia, has achieved net zero energy status through the recent installation of a photovoltaic solar panel system, the nonprofit organization announced Tuesday.

The 6.4-acre farm now has the “net zero” designation because it produces as much energy as it consumes. 

In addition to reducing energy costs and its carbon footprint, the solar installation will enable CEI to fulfill its mission of modeling sustainable practices while equipping community members with environmental education.

Solar installation was made possible through a partnership with Lumina Solar and a Maryland Energy Administration grant. The Howard County government also supported the initiative with grant funding, CEI said in a release.

According to CEI, the photovoltaic system includes 51 panels on the roof of the Gray-Howell Community Engagement Center and in the Climate Victory Garden. Expected to generate more than 28,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, the system offsets 175% of the farm’s energy usage for facilities that support food production, community events and immersive youth and adult programming, according to CEI.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone,” CEI Executive Director Chiara D’Amore said. “Our transition to net zero energy reflects our commitment to climate resilience and sustainability — not only in theory, but in practice.”

CEI joined core project partners for a ribbon-cutting on Thursday at Freetown Farm.

The nonprofit confirmed that solar panels in the climate victory garden won’t hinder growing food, but will create a cooler microclimate for vegetables – a practice known as “agrivoltaics” or dual-use solar. 

Through the move to solar energy, the farm hopes to deepen its role as a community education hub, offering workshops, demonstrations and tours that inspire environmental stewardship.