The solar project, which is Johns Hopkins’ first, is located in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland and is expected to offset about 18 percent of the total energy Johns Hopkins facilities utilize. Installed and maintained by SolarCity with financing and management by Direct Energy Business, the solar power system will deliver the energy generated to Johns Hopkins for less than their current electricity rate, and provide a long term solution to the rising costs of purchasing power.

The 13.6 megawatt solar installation will feature more than 40,000 solar panels across a 97-acre plot of land in Wye Mills, part of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. 

The solar system is expected to avoid the emission of 1.4 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere over the next 20 years, which is equivalent to removing more than 313,000 cars from U.S. roads for one year, according to SolarCity. In two decades, the system will also produce the energy equivalent to powering more than 180,000 homes for a year, according to the company.

“Johns Hopkins’ solar project is not only a huge endorsement for clean energy, but also an incredible business decision that will help them save on energy costs for years,” said Jesse Jones, SolarCity’s vice president of development and acquisitions. “Solar power is one of the simplest and most affordable sources of energy. Even if roof space is limited, remote solar solutions can help organizations like Johns Hopkins experience all of solar’s benefits.”

The project is expected to be completed and operational within the first half of 2016 and will serve the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Campus.