• Team of four working dogs herd more than 80 sheep in front of project partners, county leaders, community members and media at Project Catherine
• The 19-acre Cooksville, Md., site saves subscribers money, earns income for the on-site St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, and reduces electricity costs for Loyola University Maryland

COOKSVILLE, Md., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A flock of more than 80 sheep that have been living at a community solar site in Howard County, Md., developed by Chaberton Energy and Pivot Energy, were rounded up by their herding dogs and loaded into trailers at the end of their grazing season.

The dual use of land for both solar energy generation and agricultural production is known as agrivoltaics. The solar panels produce more affordable, clean energy, the sheep keep the vegetation in check, and the landowner earns lease income from the same acres.

“This project is a win for everyone,” Angie Burke, Pivot Energy’s director of land stewardship, said. “It stimulates local economies, promotes soil health and biodiversity, and adapts to the needs of communities, climates, and terrains.”

Rockville, Md.-based Chaberton Energy developed Project Catherine, and Denver, Co.-based Pivot Energy owns and operates it. The two companies co-hosted the event to showcase how farming and local energy can share the same land. Speakers included:

• Liz Reddington, Vice President, Development, Pivot Energy
• Tim Lattimer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
• Kristen Harbeson, Political Director, Maryland League of Conservation Voters
• Brigid Gregory, Sustainability Director, Loyola University Maryland
• Teri Rhodes, Grazer, Wayside Farms
• Dr. Joanne Thayer, Veterinarian, Mill Pond Veterinary Clinic

After the herding demonstration, Pivot Energy experts led walking tours of the solar farm.

Project Catherine is a 4.3 Megawatt DC project on 19 acres of land at the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church property. It began commercial operations in May 2024 and is in its third season of sheep grazing. The sheep are provided by Wayside Farms. The project sits on unused portions of the church’s land.

The project delivers power three ways. Local households and small businesses subscribe through Maryland’s community solar program and save an average of 10% a year on energy costs. Loyola University Maryland buys power through a power purchase agreement. And the on-site St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church offsets its own electricity use. The project avoids about 4,600 metric tons of CO2 a year, equal to planting 5,450 acres of forest.

“Community solar projects like Catherine support local renewable energy generation while protecting the long-term health of American land,” said Lia Morrison, vice president of communications and community impact at Chaberton Energy. “At a time when folks are asking questions about affordable energy, and the fastest and most cost-efficient ways to provide it, this event demonstrated how solar and farming can work together for the betterment of all.”

Media Contact
Lia Morrison
lia.morrison@chaberton.com
412-573-9095

About Chaberton Energy — chaberton.com
Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation developing community-scale energy projects, with a focus on distributed solar and energy storage. A national developer with roots in the communities it serves, Chaberton is a three-time Inc. 5000 awardee, landing on the list of America’s fastest-growing private companies in 2024, 2025 and 2026. With a commitment to creativity, excellence and humanity, Chaberton’s team delivers projects that improve grid reliability and resilience while lowering electricity costs for community members and businesses. Learn more at chaberton.com. 

About Pivot Energy — pivotenergy.net
Founded in 2009, Pivot Energy is a national renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, owns, and operates solar and energy storage projects. Pivot delivers renewable energy solutions that strengthen local economies, create jobs, and provide affordable, reliable power for businesses and communities across the U.S. As a Certified B Corporation, Pivot combines purpose and performance to ensure every project generates meaningful economic and social value. Pivot is an ECP portfolio company.

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SOURCE Chaberton Energy