The recently completed Kimmey Solar project in Delmar, Maryland is a perfect example.
Developed for Summit Ridge Energy, the nation’s leading commercial solar company, the project transformed underutilized land into a productive source of locally generated renewable energy. More importantly, it demonstrates how innovative engineering and strong community partnerships can create lasting value well beyond the energy the system produces.
A Different Approach to Solar Site Development
Every solar project presents unique challenges. At Kimmey Solar, one key consideration was preserving the site’s natural drainage patterns and minimizing stormwater impacts during and after construction.
To address this challenge, Gordian Energy Systems implemented its first permeable Geoweb roadway system. Unlike traditional access roads that can alter water flow and increase runoff, the permeable roadway was specifically designed to allow water to naturally infiltrate through the road surface and into the ground below.
This approach helps maintain the site’s existing hydrology while reducing strain on surrounding stormwater infrastructure. It also reflects a growing trend in renewable energy development: designing projects that work with the land rather than against it.
Proving Its Value During Construction
Innovative solutions are only valuable if they perform in the real world.
Throughout construction, the Geoweb roadway was subjected to heavy equipment traffic and daily construction activity. Despite these demands, the roadway maintained its structural integrity and continued to support the site’s drainage objectives.
For Gordian Energy Systems, the successful deployment of this technology represents an important milestone and demonstrates how creative problem-solving can help meet both construction and environmental goals.
“Kimmey Solar demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovative design, strong project management, and local partnership come together,” said Katelyn Knox, Senior Project Manager at Gordian Energy Systems. “The permeable Geoweb roadway allowed us to meet the project’s stormwater management goals while providing a durable access solution that performed exceptionally well throughout construction.”
The Power of Partnership
The success of Kimmey Solar wasn’t driven by engineering alone.
From development through project closeout, Gordian Energy Systems worked closely with Wicomico County and local authorities to keep permitting reviews, inspections, and approvals moving efficiently. This collaboration helped maintain project momentum and ensured the work stayed on schedule.
Strong partnerships between developers, contractors, and local governments are often an overlooked component of renewable energy development. However, projects like Kimmey Solar demonstrate how collaboration can create a smoother process for everyone involved.
“We greatly appreciate the partnership we had with Wicomico County throughout this project,” Knox said. “Their responsiveness, professionalism, and collaborative approach created a positive experience for everyone involved and demonstrated what can happen when developers, contractors, and municipalities work together toward a common goal.”
Delivering Benefits to the Local Community
Located in Wicomico County, Kimmey Solar contributes to Maryland’s expanding portfolio of renewable energy resources while delivering the advantages of local power generation.
Community solar projects help diversify energy sources, strengthen local energy infrastructure, and support broader sustainability goals. They also demonstrate how carefully planned renewable energy projects can coexist with environmental stewardship.
For Summit Ridge Energy, the completed project reflects the value of strong execution and effective teamwork.
“Kimmey Solar is a great example of what strong execution from a trusted partner looks like,” said Brandon Stephens, VP of Project Management at Summit Ridge Energy. “Gordian’s attention to site design and their close coordination with Wicomico County helped this project come together smoothly, and it’s now delivering locally generated power and value to the community for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
As renewable energy development continues to expand across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region, projects like Kimmey Solar highlight what’s possible when innovation, environmental responsibility, and collaboration come together.
The project marks the first use of a permeable Geoweb roadway by Gordian Energy Systems, but its success reinforces the company’s commitment to exploring new approaches that improve project outcomes, protect natural resources, and create long-term value for communities.
At its core, Kimmey Solar is more than a solar project. It’s an example of how thoughtful engineering, strong project management, and productive community partnerships can help build a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
About Gordian Energy Systems
Gordian Energy Systems is a full-service solar developer and EPC contractor delivering high-performance commercial, industrial, government, and institutional solar solutions nationwide. With more than 150 MW of operating solar assets, Gordian combines innovative solar engineering with deep construction expertise to design, build, and maintain reliable, cost-effective solar energy systems that are built to last.
Learn more at Gordian Energy Systems.