What happens when forward-thinking engineers and passionate beekeepers join forces? At Summit Ridge’s Cross Road Trail solar site in Brandywine, Maryland, the result is a thriving landscape where solar technology and pollinator habitats work together to deliver value for the entire community.
The Cross Road Trail Solar Site is part of Summit Ridge’s 9 MW presence in Brandywine, MD
Our team, led by Celena Hsiung, Sr. Design Engineer, and Ryan Lackey, Construction Manager at Summit Ridge, conducted a site visit along with Allan Storm, Master Beekeeper, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and owner of Stormy Acres Bee Farm to capture the benefits of this unique partnership.
Watch the video:
Ryan Lackey, Construction Manager (left), Allan Storm, Master Beekeeper at Stormy Acres Bee Farm (center), and Celena Hsiung, Sr. Design Engineer (right)
About the Site
Powered since 2022, the Cross Road Trail 1 MW solar site features 2,600 PV panels, contributing to Summit Ridge’s 9 MW presence in the Brandywine, MD area. These facilities contribute to the grid and deliver energy savings to approximately 800 local homes, providing Prince George’s County with dependable energy and meaningful tax revenue that supports regional growth.
Cross Road Trail contributes over 1.5 million kWh annually to Pepco’s Maryland grid
The Partnership: A Home for Bees & Independent Energy
Summit Ridge’s partnership with Stormy Acres Bee Farm has transformed this solar site into a haven for thriving beehives. Master Beekeeper Allan Storm leads the effort along with his wife Elaine, tending the bees and helping communities understand the essential role of pollinators in local agriculture and ecosystems.
“Storm” attended the Beekeeping Academy of Slovenia, and obtained his Master Beekeeper certificate at the University of Montana
“Solar farms are ideal partners for bees. With reduced traffic and limited chemicals, sites like Cross Road Trail give my hives a safe, productive space to thrive,” said Storm, “Our work here isn’t just about honey; it’s about supporting crops, flowers, and the greater ecosystem. Bees are fascinating, essential partners in building a better environment.”
Stormy Acres’s beekeeping work offers significant advantages, particularly regarding local honey production. Known to be rich in health benefits, honey contains traces of pollen from nearby plants, which can aid in building immunity to local allergens and may alleviate allergy symptoms. Additionally, honey is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the body from free radical damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
PV Cells and Honeycomb Cells: Together in Motion
From the very beginning, Summit Ridge focused on people and partnerships as the foundation for the Cross Road Trail site. Collaboration with Stormy Acres Bee Farm arises from a clear vision: energy projects should go beyond power generation to support agriculture and community well-being. According to Ryan Lackey, “True stewardship is finding ways for every project to give back to the land and the people who depend on it.”
Stormy Acres, located in Bowie, MD, provides a variety of services such as honey production, beekeeping, swarm removal, and apitherapy
The Cross Road Trail solar site serves as a model of teamwork, innovation, and real community impact. With leaders like Allan Storm, Summit Ridge’s approach to resilient energy is driving progress and creating a thriving home for Maryland’s most important pollinators.
Learn more about Stormy Acres Bee Farm
More pictures from the site visit:
