Washington County, Maryland, has taken a step forward in repurposing under-used county resources through an innovative public-private partnership with three solar energy providers. The partnership takes 130 acres of unused landfill space and converts it into 130 acres of solar panels. By purchasing (at a reduced rate) just under half of the electrical output, Washington County will become a completely solar-powered government.

The financial benefits for the county through this partnership are notable, offering savings of $100,000 per year over the previous energy contract. Furthermore, the previously unused land will now bring in $375,000 annually from rent to create a net savings and revenue of $475,000 annually – almost a half-million dollar budget boost. It should also be noted that this development is entirely sustainable and privately built and maintained. The project completion is estimated for the close of 2015. More details regarding this project can be found here.