Frederick, MD Police Headquarters

Solar Parking Lot Canopy

Frederick, a progressive and eco-friendly small city in Maryland, developed a 392-kilowatt solar canopy over the parking lot of the city’s Police Department Headquarters. The project was completed in 2025 in partnership with Secure Solar Futures along with Capital Solar Group based in Glen Burnie, MD and GOT Electric of Ijamsville, MD.

Under a power purchase agreement, the facility will receive solar power equipment at no upfront capital cost to the City of Frederick.

The Police Department solar energy system is the first solar canopy on a municipal building in the City of Frederick and the first at a public safety facility in Frederick County.

“The majority of our police cars are parked outside when not in use, consistently exposing those vehicles to the elements for lengthy periods of time. Having a solar canopy at our new headquarters allows us to better protect our fleet and ensure our cars and trucks are ready to respond in an emergency. The fact that we are able to accomplish that goal while also saving money and helping the environment is a win-win for us,” said Chief Jason Lando.

In its first year of operation, the solar energy system will produce 529,460 kilowatt hours of electric power, and more than 17.3 gigawatt hours over the projected 35-year life of the system.  This is enough energy to power 1,800 average Maryland homes, while avoiding 15,270 metric tons of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of removing 3,560 cars from the road for one year. The Frederick Police Department will continue to cover its remaining electricity demand by purchasing power from its local utility.

“The addition of a solar canopy at the new police department headquarters does not just enhance our operational capabilities; it signifies a bold step towards our climate goals. This project exemplifies our city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By extending the life of our fleet vehicles and harnessing solar energy, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and embracing a solution that benefits our community and the planet. It’s a clear demonstration of how we can achieve operational excellence while contributing to a more sustainable future,” said Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor.

After the term of the service agreement, the City of Frederick can take ownership of the solar power system at a nominal cost, producing its own energy for the remainder of the equipment’s 35- to 40-year productive lifespan. 

Live Energy Monitoring

Click this link to view energy production in real time from the Frederick Police Department Headquarters. (Please allow up to 60 seconds for the energy monitoring screen to load)