Virginia's Largest Solar Initiative Announced In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX, VA — Fairfax County has announced contracts for the installation of solar panels on county property, making it the largest solar initiative in the state. According to a news release, solar photovoltaic arrays will be installed at over county, government, school and park sites.

The county signed power purchase agreement (PPA) contracts with three teams of providers: Sigora Solar/Standard Solar; BrightSuite (a subsidiary of Dominion Energy)/Sun Tribe Solar; and Ipsun Solar/SunLight General Capital. The providers will be tasked with installation, maintenance and operation of the solar panels. Specifics on the agreements were not disclosed.

"Implementing on-site solar will hopefully lower our electricity costs as we support our Board of Supervisors adopted priorities," said County Executive Bryan Hill in a statement. "Fairfax County is striving to promote and encourage the use of renewable energy as we reduce our carbon footprint."

The county estimates it could save $60 million in electricity costs over the span of the contracts. The electricity rates will remain fixed "in most cases" for the contracts' duration.

The initiative follows the creation of the county's Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, which will plan the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan in the coming year.