(WBFF) — Annapolis significantly expanded its renewable energy efforts by subscribing 65 municipal utility accounts to Community Solar projects, the mayor’s office announced in a statement.

The initiative will offset over four million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

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Dylan Laconich, Environmental Programs Manager for Annapolis, said, “This project helps Annapolis meet its energy goals, and further pushes our interests of establishing more solar in the state of Maryland and greening our grid.”

The environmental impact is “substantial,” with the clean solar energy offsetting an average of 2,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. That is equivalent to removing about 550 passenger vehicles from Maryland roads each year or the amount of CO2 absorbed by 119,000 trees annually.

Community Solar programs allow multiple subscribers to benefit from shared solar installations without needing panels on their property. Participants receive credits on their utility bills for the clean energy generated at a discounted rate.

Annapolis’ path to Community Solar involved a comprehensive evaluation process with multiple city departments and guidance from Solar On Earth, a Community Solar specialist. Of the 83 utility accounts submitted, 65 were accepted by Pivot Energy, Solar On Earth’s development partner.

“Annapolis just took another big step toward a cleaner, more resilient future with its new Community Solar agreement,” Mayor Jared Littmann said. “By expanding access to locally produced clean energy, we are cutting greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy costs for our City, and making real progress toward our net-zero commitments under Maryland’s climate goals.”

The program also comes as support for Maryland’s climate goals, including 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, according to the statement.