Expect to see more solar panels on the roofs of Fairfax County schools, recreation buildings and libraries soon.
Fairfax County has signed the state’s largest solar power agreement and will be installing solar panels on schools and in parks across the county.
The Fairfax County agreement is the biggest solar power purchase agreement (PPA) launched by a local government ever in Virginia. More than 100 county buildings are included in the first phase of the initiative, including schools and parks.
Several of those buildings include schools and a library in southeastern Fairfax County.
Alexandria region facilities that will benefit from solar power include the following:
- Gum Springs Community Center
- John Marshall Library
- Belle View Elementary School
- Bucknell Elementary School
- Cameron Elementary School
- Clermont Elementary School
- Edison High School
- Hayfield Secondary School
- Hybla Valley Elementary School
- Mount Eagle Elementary School
- Sandburg Middle School
- Stratford Landing Elementary School
- Whitman Middle School
- Woodlawn Elementary School
Mount Vernon District school board representative Karen Corbett Sanders, current school board chair, said the solar project will build on a 14.5 percent reduction of energy use across the school district since 2014. “The notification of the award is another successful point in our journey to move FCPS toward increased adoption of renewable energy sources,” Corbett Sanders said in an FCPS release. “Our move toward solar reinforces the School Board’s commitment to our environmental stewardship responsibilities.”
The agreement allows Fairfax County to purchase less expensive electricity from a solar service provider while the service provider installs, operates and maintains the system. Overall, it is expected to save the County money on utilities both now and over the course of the next 25 years.
Sigora Solar, in partnership with Standard Solar, is the primary awardee for the roof-mounted solar arrays, according to Fairfax County.
Interested in solar power for your own home? In Fairfax County, residents are encouraged to first investigate solar potential through the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's NOVA Solar Map. The County offers incentives to residents who are interested in installing solar power. These include waived permit fees, a solar energy equipment tax exemption from Fairfax County and the ability to participate in the annual Solarize campaign, which often includes free onsite assessments, bulk discount prices, vetted contractors, and community workshops and support. In addition, the federal government offers a tax credit.
Learn more at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/energy/energyactionfairfax/solar.
