A former coal mine in western Maryland has been given a remarkable second life, emerging as the state’s largest solar energy project and a powerful symbol of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The newly launched CPV Backbone Solar farm represents a significant step forward in Maryland’s clean energy goals while demonstrating how abandoned industrial land can be repurposed for a more sustainable future.

Located in Garrett County, the solar farm was built on the site of a retired coal mine that had long stood as a reminder of the region’s reliance on traditional energy industries. Today, the landscape tells a very different story. With an installed capacity of 160 megawatts and approximately 324,000 solar panels, the CPV Backbone Solar project is now capable of generating enough clean electricity to power around 30,000 homes.

Energy experts say the project highlights the growing potential of brownfield redevelopment—transforming previously used or contaminated land into productive assets. Rather than consuming undeveloped land, the solar farm utilizes an existing industrial site, reducing environmental impact while contributing to Maryland’s renewable energy supply.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is delivering tangible economic gains to the local community. Construction and ongoing operations have created new jobs, while the facility is expected to generate long-term tax revenue for Garrett County. Local officials have praised the development as a catalyst for economic revitalization in a rural area that has faced challenges following the decline of the coal industry.

The solar farm is also aligned with Maryland’s broader climate and energy objectives. The state has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of electricity generated from renewable sources. Large-scale projects like CPV Backbone Solar play a crucial role in meeting these targets while strengthening energy independence and grid resilience.

Importantly, this transformation is not the final chapter for the site. Developers have confirmed that expansion plans are already underway, signaling continued investment in clean energy infrastructure. As technology advances and demand for renewable power grows, the project could become an even larger contributor to the region’s energy mix.

For many observers, the rebirth of a coal mine as a solar powerhouse serves as a powerful example of how communities can move beyond their industrial past without abandoning economic opportunity. It underscores a broader shift occurring across the United States, where renewable energy projects are increasingly replacing legacy fossil fuel sites—offering cleaner power, new jobs, and a more sustainable future.