VALLEY LEE, Md. — The Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (SDVFDRS) is set to become one of the first firehouses in St. Mary’s County and the broader SoMD region to embrace solar energy, recently awarding a major solar project to local, family-owned contractor Energy Select.
An aerial mockup showcases the scale of the upcoming solar project. SDVFDRS opted for these ground-mounted arrays to maximize southern exposure and energy production without impacting the station’s roof.
Located at 45245 Drayden Road, the new commercial solar system will not only be one of the first for local emergency services but will also stand as one of the largest solar installations in St. Mary’s County.
The Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad is a cornerstone of the Southern Maryland community. Beyond their primary mission of providing emergency and rescue services, the department actively engages with residents through cherished traditions like their annual Christmas Tree Lighting and neighborhood Santa Runs. Just as the department continually advances its rescue training and upgrades its equipment, this transition to renewable energy highlights their forward-thinking approach to serving the community.
The 302 kW ground-mounted system is designed to generate more than enough power to cover the facility’s needs, offsetting over 110% of the department’s electricity consumption. During the planning phases, SDVFDRS leadership carefully weighed the benefits of roof-mounted versus ground-mounted arrays. They ultimately opted for a ground-mount solution, which allows for perfect southern exposure and optimal panel tilt to maximize energy production.
By taking control of their energy production, SDVFDRS will drastically reduce its utility costs over the next 30 years, freeing up vital funds for emergency services and community support.
The financial strategy making this project a reality is robust. Because SDVFDRS is a non-profit, they are able to utilize the federal Direct Pay program, alongside the generation of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). Additionally, the project received a major boost from the state level, with Senator Jack Bailey securing a $100,000 grant to help the department implement the system.
Project Leadership and Community Commitment
The decision to partner with Energy Select stems from a deep-rooted foundation of trust. The two organizations have an existing relationship that began with a successful lighting upgrade at the department’s original station. SDVFDRS President Blair Swann, who signed the solar agreement, coordinated that initial lighting project and was instrumental in getting the solar initiative off the ground.
Swann worked alongside Stephanie Boyd and Jay Rodgers, SDVFDRS’s Solar Committee Chair. Rodgers brought a unique, firsthand perspective to the committee, having been a residential solar customer of Energy Select since 2023. SDVFDRS Treasurer Mike Scrivener also played a pivotal role in bringing the financial and administrative aspects of the deal to fruition.
(Seated): SDVFDRS President Blair Swann (center) signs the agreement for the solar installation. (Standing, L-R): Energy Select’s Gregg Havens, SDVFDRS Solar Committee Chair Jay Rodgers, and SDVFDRS Treasurer Mike Scrivener, all gather to mark the partnership in the firehouse’s conference room.
Working with SDVFDRS since early 2023 to close the job was Energy Select’s Gregg Havens. A Chopticon High School alum and University of Maryland graduate, Havens is a local success story. He has been with Energy Select for over a decade, having started with the company at 17 years old. Havens serves as the Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) Manager and an Energy Advisor. Holding dual BPI Envelope Professional and BPI Building Analyst Professional certifications, his expertise in building science, solar sales, and managing Low-to-Moderate Income programs made him the perfect fit to guide the fire department through the complexities of commercial solar.
“I’ve had the chance to work with a number of firehouses over the years and I’m very excited to see a local SoMD organization like SDVFDRS take the step toward solar,” said Havens. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the station fully get behind the project and embrace the long-term benefits. Thank you SDVFDRS for supporting local business and making a commitment to improving sustainability in our area.”
SDVFDRS is eager to go solar and hopes to bring greater awareness to sustainability efforts throughout the Southern Maryland region. For Energy Select, the project is a point of local pride, perfectly aligning the company’s values with the life-saving mission of the SDVFDRS. Together, they are setting a bright, sustainable example for the rest of the community.
To learn more about the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, or to donate to their life-saving community mission, visit sdvfdrs.org. To learn more about Energy Select’s commercial and residential solar solutions in Maryland, visit energyselectllc.com.
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