Sheep and Solar Coexist at Maryland's Project Catherine

COOKSVILLE, Md., Oct. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Chaberton Energy and Pivot Energy have demonstrated a unique approach to land use by integrating sheep herding with solar energy production in Maryland. At Project Catherine, located in Cooksville, Maryland, a team of four working dogs herded more than 80 sheep in front of project partners, county leaders, community members, and media.

The 19-acre site, developed by Chaberton Energy and owned and operated by Pivot Energy, showcases how solar energy generation and agricultural production can coexist. The project, named Project Catherine, is a 4.3 Megawatt DC project that began commercial operations in May 2024 and is in its third season of sheep grazing. The sheep are provided by Wayside Farms and graze on the unused portions of the St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church property.

Project Catherine operates in three ways, providing power to local households and small businesses through Maryland's community solar program, reducing their energy costs by an average of 10% annually. Loyola University Maryland also purchases power through a power purchase agreement, and the on-site St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church offsets its own electricity use. The project is estimated to avoid about 4,600 metric tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to planting 5,450 acres of forest.

"This project is a win for everyone," Angie Burke, Pivot Energy's director of land stewardship, stated.

Chaberton Energy, a public benefit corporation, is a national developer with roots in the communities it serves. The company 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.

Pivot Energy, founded in 2009, is a national renewable energy provider and independent power producer that develops, owns, and operates solar and energy storage projects. 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.

The dual use of land for both solar energy generation and agricultural production, known as agrivoltaics, is a sustainable approach that benefits multiple stakeholders. By integrating farming and local energy, Project Catherine not only addresses the growing demand for renewable energy but also supports local economies and environmental conservation.