Gaylord National Resort Breaks Ground on One of the Nation’s Largest Hotel Solar Installations

National Harbor, MD (July 16, 2025) – Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels, has officially begun construction on a transformative solar energy project aimed at reducing the resort’s environmental footprint and supporting the resilience of the local energy grid.

The new rooftop solar array will span 3.5 acres atop the resort’s convention center and feature 4,696 solar panels. Once operational, the system will generate nearly 3.4 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually — enough to supply up to 20% of the resort’s total energy needs.

“This project is a powerful example of how hospitality can lead the way in environmental responsibility,” said Dan McKeon, area general manager at Gaylord National. “By investing in renewable energy, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint — we’re also helping to ease demand on the local power grid, especially during peak usage periods.”

The solar installation is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,379 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, the equivalent of removing 529 cars from the road or to the CO2 removed by 40,000 trees over 10 years. This initiative supports Marriott International’s global sustainability goals and reflects Gaylord National’s commitment to being a responsible and engaged member of the National Harbor community.

Construction is expected to be completed Q1 2026, with an event planned to mark the launch of full operations.

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About Gaylord National
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is the largest, non-gaming hotel and convention center on the east coast, located along the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland, and part of Marriott International, Inc. Opened in April 2008, Gaylord National is an AAA-Four Diamond resort that is only eight miles from Washington, D.C. The resort offers nearly 2,000 rooms including 110 suites; a 19-story atrium; 600,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; acclaimed restaurants including Old Hickory Steakhouse; and Pose Rooftop Lounge.